Comments on: Ribadu Introduces ‘Nigerian Mentality’ to Wolfowitz’s Discourse

By: Imnakoya

Imnakoya — Sat, 05 May 2007 20:15:15 +0000

To BRE: I do not see this as witch-hunting, and even if it is - it comes with the territory.

Yes, the removal of PW might lead to a “difference in leadership style at the World Bank” towards Africa. But I think it is just too early to see how this transition (if there’s one) will impact Africa. Historically, World Bank prescriptions on Africa haven’t been that positive anyway - well, speaking in very broad sense that is.

By: Don Thieme

Don Thieme — Sat, 05 May 2007 12:57:17 +0000

Shaha Riza is muslim.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=60884&d=23&m=3&y=2005

That only pertains indirectly to the propriety of her working as a Pentagon consultant and World Bank staff at the same time.

http://www.whistleblower.org/content/press_detail.cfm?press_id=929

By: Don Thieme

Don Thieme — Sat, 05 May 2007 12:40:40 +0000

I made a mistake above. Shaha Riza is reported by blogger Steve Clemons to be a Libyan national raised in Saudi Arabia. I really do not know that much about her aside from the reported liason with Wolfowitz.

By: Don Thieme

Don Thieme — Sat, 05 May 2007 12:21:19 +0000

I have read discussion of Wolfowitz’s role at the Pentagon by reporters and bloggers in relation to his problems in his current job. It does seem very relevant to me, however, given the serious corruption and fraud in military contracting during his watch there. His Israeli girlfriend, for example, was already double-dipping as a Pentagon consultant while at the same time drawing her salary from the World Bank. He may have presented a good “image” to Africa, but I cannot see how Wolfowitz can honestly stand against corruption any more than Obasanjo can.

By: Black River Eagle

Black River Eagle — Sat, 05 May 2007 11:52:21 +0000

Wolfowitz was “demonized” in the world press and in the blogosphere for his role in the runup to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. What a lot of people fail (refuse) to recognize is that he has been very aggressive and effective in his role as President of the World Bank. Can Wolfowitz be replaced? Of course, but Africa and Africans will feel the difference in leadership style at the World Bank when and if he is replaced as a result of this present “witch hunt”.