Rogoff on Wolfwitz

Rogoff op-ed in German edition of FT;

In reality, the way Wolfowitz arrived at his position is the very thing that makes him so vulnerable to attack. His appointment by a U.S. Government, which is hardly cooperative internationally, was a provocation. The World Bank is an institution for financing development. But Wolfowitz' career in the U.S. Departments of Defense and State never prepared him for this role. Instead as is well known, he is the architect of America’s failed War in Iraq. By all accounts, Wolfowitz is brilliant, but it seems inconceivable that he would have been selected as leader of the World Bank in an open, transparent and multilateral selection process.

I have come to this conclusion, although I agree with the Bush government’s desire to bring about changes within the bank. For a long time I have supported the idea that the Bank’s attention should shift away from loans and toward direct subsidies - that would be a good beginning, and is something that is supported by the Bush government. But it was inappropriate to expect to make progress after selecting someone who has no experience promoting economic development.

Nevertheless, a transparent selection process would have shed light on the fact that Wolfowitz' girlfriend worked at the bank. This may appear inconsequential, but in view of the Bank's strict guidelines on preventing nepotism, it is not. Had Wolfowitz been the best-qualified candidate, the selection committee would have surely found a way resolve the problem. But in any case, in view of his doubtful suitability, this issue would quite possibly have disqualified him.

Another thing they have to do is scrap the Board of Directors.