WASHINGTON, April 13, 2007
World Bank Chief Has Girlfriend Problem
Paul Wolfowitz Under Fire For Helping Gal Pal Get High-Paying Job
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Photo
Paul Wolfowitz 2005 photo (AP)
His apology didn't ease concerns among the bank's staff association, which wants him to resign.
The growing controversy has overshadowed major development meetings this weekend and is raising fresh questions about whether Wolfowitz will stay on the job. The White House, however, expressed confidence in the embattled bank president.
At issue are the generous compensation and pay raises of a bank employee, Shaha Riza, who has dated Wolfowitz. She was given an assignment at the State Department in September 2005, shortly after he became bank president.
"In hindsight I wish I had trusted my original instincts and kept myself out of the negotiations," Wolfowitz said. "I made a mistake, for which I am sorry."
The World Bank Group Staff Association is demanding that Wolfowitz step down.
"The president must acknowledge that his conduct has compromised the integrity and effectiveness of the World Bank Group and has destroyed the staff's trust in his leadership," the association said Thursday. "He must act honorably and resign."
Wolfowitz said he met Thursday morning with the World Bank's board and that members were looking into the matter. He declined to discuss what actions, if any, the board could take.
"I proposed to the board that they establish some mechanism to judge whether the agreement reached was a reasonable outcome," he said, referring to Riza's transfer. "I will accept any remedies they propose."
Wolfowitz dodged a question about whether he would resign over the flap. "I cannot speculate on what the board is going to decide," he said.
A World Bank spokeswoman would not comment on what range of options the board could consider or when it would finish its deliberations.
The White House voiced its support for Wolfowitz.
"Of course President Wolfowitz has our full confidence," said White House spokesman Tony Fratto. "His leadership is helping the bank accomplish its mission of raising living standards for poor people throughout the world. In dealing with this issue, he has taken full responsibility and is working with the executive board to resolve it."
The Government Accountability Project, a watchdog group, estimated Riza's salary at $193,590 as a result of the job transfer and pay raises. The group says she was paid by the World Bank and remains on the bank's payroll. The World Bank would not comment on Riza's compensation, citing confidentiality concerns.
"I take full responsibility for the details," of the job transfer, Wolfowitz said. "I did not attempt to hide my actions nor make anyone else responsible," he said.
The job change was made, he said, to avoid a conflict of interest when he took his post at the World Bank, where Riza already worked.
World Bank rules bar employees from supervising anyone with whom they had a personal relationship.
"I took the issue to the Ethics Committee and after extensive discussions ... the committee's advice was to promote and relocate Ms. Shaha Riza," Wolfowitz said.
"I made a good faith effort to implement my understanding of that advice," he explained.
Riza worked as a communications adviser in the bank's Middle East Department before she was detailed to the job at the State Department.
The State Department says Riza left in September 2006 and now works for Foundation for the Future, an international organization that gets some money from the department.
The World Bank's stated mission is to fight poverty and improve the living standards of people in developing countries. It lends about $20 billion a year for various projects.
Wolfowitz — who took the bank's helm on June 1, 2005 — asked for "some understanding" of his position in the controversy.
"Not only was this a painful personal dilemma, but I also had to deal with it when I was new to this institution, and I was trying to navigate uncharted waters," he said.
President Bush appointed Wolfowitz, a main architect of the Iraq war when he served as deputy defense secretary. His appointment was greeted with protests by international aid and other groups, and some worried he might use the bank to help America's allies and punish its enemies.
When asked about those fears on Thursday, Wolfowitz said: "We're not playing favorites with anybody."
© MMVII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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See all 102 CommentsWe know this is true because George Bush nominated him for his current position. And, based on Bush's track record, all of his nominees are dishonest, corrupt and incompetent.
In Wolfowitz's case, his corruption, dishonesty and incompetence are a matter of public record based on his record with the Reagan administration.
He should not only resign, he should also be indicted along with Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, Rice, Perle, Feith, Blair and hundreds of others for war crimes.
Same old Bush Administrations.
Wolfowitz does not have a "girlfriend problem."
Wolfowitz has an "integrity problem."
But, we knew that already based on his prior service with the Bush administration. As well as his demonstrated lack of integrity with previous Republican administrations (he was a Democrat until Democrats began to lose power, after which, he suddenly decided to be a Repub).
Clinton, for all his faults, had the wisdom to toss him out of government service altogether.
We can blame George Bush for restoring him to a position of influence as one of the chief architects of the "Bush doctrine," which is what led to the Bush administration becoming war criminals.
This statement reflects the entire Bush Administration from start to finish. It's an example of the complete and absolute failure of that Administration. If we'd have just printed the last sentence of this statement, leaving the position blank, we could have saved so much time and effort during the last six plus years.
(Wolfowitz) "Not only was this a painful personal dilemma, but I also had to deal with it when I was new to this institution, and I was trying to navigate uncharted waters," he said.
In plain English words,
"I was really stupid for getting caught and have no valid excuse."
And, that's the first time I recall hearing (vulgar vernacular for ***) referred to as "uncharted waters."
Old habits die hard with these criminals. They would be nothing without social promotion.
On another note--which is more insulting: that Bush once again expresses confidence in a corrupt person, or that Wolfowitz refuses to resign, or...that Wolfowitz unabashedly fulfills the racial stereotype of the sneaky, greedy Jew...and seems comfortable and unapologetic in that role?
It is not anti Semitic to believe there are millions of other good people in the Middle East TOO!
Even Eisenhower had problems with Israeli groups but he did not let them buy him!
READ AS THEY BRAG ABOUT THEIR INFLUENCE ON OUR GOVERNMENT!
http://www.aipac.org/forms/join_aipacClubs.htm
Founded in 1953 by Isaiah L. "Si" Kenen, AIPAC's original name was the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs. According to UCLA political science professor and author, Steven Spiegel, "the tension between the Eisenhower administration and Israeli supporters was so acute that there were rumors that the administration would investigate the American Zionist Council. Therefore, an independent lobbying committee was formed, which years later was renamed [AIPAC]." [SPIEGEL, p. 52].[citation needed] Today, AIPAC has over 100,000 members.[1]
Activities and stated goals
AIPAC's stated purpose is to lobby the Congress of the United States on issues and legislation "to ensure that the U.S.-Israel relationship is strong so that both countries can work together" to meet the challenges of "stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, fighting terrorism and achieving peace".[2] AIPAC has been effective in gaining support for Israel among members of Congress and White House administrations.
The New York Times described AIPAC on July 6, 1987 as "a major force in shaping United States policy in the Middle East."
erikvilius.blogspot.com
Must be a case of extreme diarrhea.
ROFLMMFAO!!!! That statement is as much a joke as Wolfowitz is.
The World Bank's "stated goals" and its actual goals are very different. It's just another U.S. tool for imposing economic policies that support western corporate interests. Crushing national debt is common in many African countries that are being "helped" by the World Bank.
In addition, the World Bank's "shock therapy" has resulted in a dramatic increase in poverty and unemployment in many countries, including Russia and Poland. Long-term high unemployment rates are usually the result.
Yep, Wolfowitz is the "right man" for the job; he's just as corrupt as are the World Bank's policies.
ROFLMMFAO!!!! You are part of the problem!!!
Now an issue of cronism is in place because he is looking out for his honey dip with the big phat raise. Wolfowitz is in trouble. He is apologetic because he got caught.
Tonight I will drink to the roosters coming home to roost.
He was appointed by another thug--Bush.
Mike
Brad Pitt, eat your heart out.
http://wwwimage.cbsnews.com/images/2005/03/31/image684382x.jpg
"In 1992, AIPAC president David Steiner had to resign when he was tape recorded boasting about his political influence in obtaining aid for Israel. Steiner claimed that he had "met with Bush41's U.S. Secretary of State Jim Baker and I cut a deal with him. I got, besides the $3 billion, you know they're looking for the Jewish votes, and I'll tell him whatever he wants to hear ... Besides the $10 billion in loan guarantees which was a fabulous thing, $3 billion in foreign, in military aid, and I got almost a billion dollars in other goodies that people don't even know about."
Steiner also claimed to be "negotiating" with the incoming Clinton administration over who Clinton would appoint as Secretary of State and Secretary of the National Security Agency. Steiner stated that AIPAC had "a dozen people in [the Clinton] campaign, in the headquarters ... in Little Rock, and they're all going to get big jobs.""
"Haim Katz said he taped the conversation because "as someone Jewish, I am concerned when a small group has a disproportionate power. I think that hurts everyone, including Jews. If David Steiner wants to talk about the incredible, disproportionate clout AIPAC has, the public should know about it.""
He's doing his part for togetherness and cultural intercourse in the Middle East.
"Shaha Ali Riza was born in Tripoli, Libya, to a Libyan father and Syrian-Saudi mother. She grew up in Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom."
Wolfowitz engineered the Iraq invasion with Bu$h...
Was a PNAC traitor during the 9/11 atrocity...
and was in bed with an Arab woman from Saudi Arabia....
Hmmmm
Maybe she reminded him of Paula Abdul.
It is not anti Semitic to believe there are millions of other good people in the Middle East TOO!
Even Eisenhower had problems with Israeli groups but he did not let them buy him!
READ AS THEY BRAG ABOUT THEIR INFLUENCE ON OUR GOVERNMENT!
http://www.aipac.org/forms/
join_aipacClubs.htm
Founded in 1953 by Isaiah L. "Si" Kenen, AIPAC's original name was the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs. According to UCLA political science professor and author, Steven Spiegel, "the tension between the Eisenhower administration and Israeli supporters was so acute that there were rumors that the administration would investigate the American Zionist Council. Therefore, an independent lobbying committee was formed, which years later was renamed [AIPAC]." [SPIEGEL, p. 52].[citation needed] Today, AIPAC has over 100,000 members.[1]
Activities and stated goals
AIPAC's stated purpose is to lobby the Congress of the United States on issues and legislation "to ensure that the U.S.-Israel relationship is strong so that both countries can work together" to meet the challenges of "stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, fighting terrorism and achieving peace".[2] AIPAC has been effective in gaining support for Israel among members of Congress and White House administrations.
The New York Times described AIPAC on July 6, 1987 as "a major force in shaping United States policy in the Middle East."
"The Press Trust of India" reports that Paul Wolfowitz married his "African Muslim" World Bank colleague Shaha Riza "recently," and "in absentia." Does that mean she didn't get to run her fingers through his hair? [A reference to the notorious footage of Wolfowitz slicking his hair down, in Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 911"] The short article strikes many odd notes... and seems to be based on Wolfowitz's acceptance of well-wishes from a NGO activist -- "I understand congratulations are in order for your recent marriage this afternoon," to which he responded, "Thank you." But we wonder if that exchange wasn't just a winking acknowledgment of the street-theater protest that had just taken place outside the meeting: "Members of the Mobilization for Global Justice, Sameer Dossani, ... Basav Sen, ... and Vineeta Gupta stage a theatrical protest, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005, in Washington. The organization held a mock wedding ceremony of the Pentagon, played by Dossani, and the World Bank, played by Gupta and Sen portrayed Paul Wolfowitz as the wedding minister." This is the kind of confusion that happens when you stray from the giant puppet route.
http://wonkette.com/politics/paul-wolfowitz/breaking-paul-wolfowitz-married-not-really-so-much-128712.php
Wolfowitz wasn't aware of that, despite being the President of the World Bank.
Kinda reminds you of young George W. Bush telling reporters he "wasn't aware" of the financial condition of Harken Energy when he dumped his stock and made almost a million dollars in 1990. (Bush was sitting on Harken's audit board at the time.)
We need to start seeking out political and financial leaders who do their basic homework.
(Don't tell me about Hillary's cattle futures. She was an admitted neophyte at the time, unlike big shots Bush and Wolfowitz.)
Posted by didntinhale at 12:07 PM : Apr 13, 2007
It's Barack, not Borak. You're thinking of Borat, the movie.
As Jay Leno said, "At least Obama's middle name isn't 'Kerry' ".
By the way, how's that Gorilla War [sic] in Iraq going these days ?
Yeah!! "Horney" has no conscience!! Maybe Wolfowitz and Shaha Ali Riza can head up a committee for Israeli-Arab peace. Or is it "piece?" LOL!!
In fairness to Wolfowitz, what red blooded man wouldn't be overcome with s*exual passion at the sight of such a raving beauty ?
Shaha Riza:
http://www.worldbank.org/springmeetings/images/SM03-MENA-5.jpg
Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!!!
Ah...right!
Riza reminds me of a horse I had when I was a kid. Even the same color hair. Ha Ha Ha...
Sorry....you really hit my funny bone. Ha Ha Ha...
"It's rumored in Washington that Condoleezza Rice has a new boyfriend. Allegedly, he's Canada's Foreign Minister, Peter MacKay. Since he's a diplomat and he visits her at the White House, he has to have a Secret Service code name. Do you know what his Secret Service code name is? 'Captain Kirk.' You know why they call him that? Because he's going where no man has gone before." --Jay Leno
"It's been reported that Condoleezza Rice is dating a high level Canadian diplomat. Sources say you can tell because Rice has an extra bounce in her step and is giggling a lot as she prepares for the invasion of Iran." --Conan O'Brien
Why don't YOU boycott CBS?
the blank"....
Wolfowitz, Gonzo, Chenless, Condy, Ney,
Cunningham, DeLay, Foley, on and on and on
the shrub gives all loyal members a free pass..
I think we all getting tried of this $#!+...
on a serious note, good luck to Tony Snow and his battle with cancer.
It is not anti Semitic to believe there are millions of other good people in the Middle East TOO!
Even Eisenhower had problems with Israeli groups but he did not let them buy him!
READ AS THEY BRAG ABOUT THEIR INFLUENCE ON OUR GOVERNMENT!
http://www.aipac.org/forms/
join_aipacClubs.htm
Founded in 1953 by Isaiah L. "Si" Kenen, AIPAC's original name was the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs. According to UCLA political science professor and author, Steven Spiegel, "the tension between the Eisenhower administration and Israeli supporters was so acute that there were rumors that the administration would investigate the American Zionist Council. Therefore, an independent lobbying committee was formed, which years later was renamed [AIPAC]." [SPIEGEL, p. 52].[citation needed] Today, AIPAC has over 100,000 members.[1]
Activities and stated goals
AIPAC's stated purpose is to lobby the Congress of the United States on issues and legislation "to ensure that the U.S.-Israel relationship is strong so that both countries can work together" to meet the challenges of "stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, fighting terrorism and achieving peace".[2] AIPAC has been effective in gaining support for Israel among members of Congress and White House administrations.
The New York Times described AIPAC on July 6, 1987 as "a major force in shaping United States policy in the Middle East."
"In 1992, AIPAC president David Steiner had to resign when he was tape recorded boasting about his political influence in obtaining aid for Israel. Steiner claimed that he had "met with Bush41's U.S. Secretary of State Jim Baker and I cut a deal with him. I got, besides the $3 billion, you know they're looking for the Jewish votes, and I'll tell him whatever he wants to hear ... Besides the $10 billion in loan guarantees which was a fabulous thing, $3 billion in foreign, in military aid, and I got almost a billion dollars in other goodies that people don't even know about."
Steiner also claimed to be "negotiating" with the incoming Clinton administration over who Clinton would appoint as Secretary of State and Secretary of the National Security Agency. Steiner stated that AIPAC had "a dozen people in [the Clinton] campaign, in the headquarters ... in Little Rock, and they're all going to get big jobs.""
"Haim Katz said he taped the conversation because "as someone Jewish, I am concerned when a small group has a disproportionate power. I think that hurts everyone, including Jews. If David Steiner wants to talk about the incredible, disproportionate clout AIPAC has, the public should know about it.""
Posted by dirtydog55 at 11:29 AM : Apr 13, 2007
WELL SPOKEN GOOD POST!
Another stick on the pile of corrupt republicans...
Wolfowitz helps to control control the world's economy which can literally lead to life and death on the streets of poorer countries--gets caught with his pants down--and gets spanked (pun intended)for being dishonest.
Mr. Wolfowitz and politicians like him cause more harm and suffering in the world than do idiots like Imus. A double standard between the rich and richer. I'm glad I'm poor at least I know who my enemies are :)
To the ladies who ever wanted to date a war criminal: this is probably your best chance now that Milosevic is dead.
Where do neocons go when they've been "out'ed?" Up, of course.
Birds of a feather...
something like "mistakes were made" or
"appologies are offered to anyone needing
them". There seem not to be any real men
left in positions of public trust.
Would it be too big a shock to the American people to hear "I did it", "I am responsible",
"I made the mistakes", "I am sorry", "I am a crook". ? It certainly would be refreshing!
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