As does the oppressive regime of Syria, which up until the very end played footsie with Saddam and has long been a haven for terrorist groups.IMHO, the game of footsie continues. From a distance and by remote control perhaps, but it continues.
Posted on 08/20/2003 8:47:06 AM PDT by yankeedame
This Pouter Should Take a Powder
Talk about a colossal piece of hypocrisy: World Bank President James Wolfensohn recently gave the thumbs-down to the idea of the World Bank's offering assistance now to post-Saddam Iraq.
"At some point that will, I'm sure, happen," opined His Highness. "But, as you know, there is a need first to have a constitution, to have a government, to reestablish Iraq as the Iraqi people would like to have it. Clearly a constitution and an elected government would constitute a recognized government, but what do we do in the meantime? It is a subject that needs interpretation."
No it doesn't.
Iraqis are trying to rebuild their shattered economy while fending off attacks by Saddam loyalists.
And at the time of Wolfensohn's statement, the U.S. had just appointed the provisional Governing Council, which is composed of 25 Iraqis representing all ethnic groups and sects (except, of course, pro-Saddamites). Within 24 months free elections will be held--an utter rarity (except in Israel) in that part of the world.
The council itself is far more representative than are scores of governments the World Bank routinely plies with cash.
Zimbabwe, which has long been writhing under the ministrations of thug-dictator Robert Mugabe, receives World Bank assistance.
When did Belarus last hold a genuinely free election?
Or Algeria?
Or Laos?
Or war-racked Liberia?
The terror-supporting Islamic dictatorship of Iran qualifies for Wolfensohn's largesse.
As does the oppressive regime of Syria, which up until the very end played footsie with Saddam and has long been a haven for terrorist groups.
And on the list goes.
Wolfensohn, who opposed the war in Iraq and viscerally dislikes the Bush Administration, should, at least, apologize for his exercise in double standards--or have the decency to step down.
As does the oppressive regime of Syria, which up until the very end played footsie with Saddam and has long been a haven for terrorist groups.IMHO, the game of footsie continues. From a distance and by remote control perhaps, but it continues.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.