Why Wolf and Other Stuff

That is the question that the NY Times is asking. It acknowledges that Wolfowitz once wrote "that security and poverty are connected - that the solutions to global conflicts don't necessarily lie in arms control, but in poverty reduction and economic development," but still stated that his selection was "a slap to the international community." In other analysis the Times says that the selection of John Bolton to the UN and Wolfie to the World bank by W. sends the message that "both institutions could benefit from unconventional thinking and stern discipline." Fred Kaplan at Slate seems to have the same take that I do on the Wolfie's nomination. I do doubt his assertion that Wolfowitz sees Robert McNamara's exit strategy as one to emulate. Considering the mess that he made at the WB I doubt anyone would want to follow his example. The Times analyisis, that he is going from one position of strength to another, is probably closer to the truth. If W. really would have wanted him gone he would have done so earlier this year. A Washington Post weighs in saying that Wolfie's critics should relaxe and that from the list of candidates he was the best pick available. The Post also notes the nominee's zeal for democracy and say that the WB could be a good fit for him.By the way Europe is shocked at the selection, shareholders were dismayed, the Wall Street Journal is excited and the Christian Science Monitor expects a bumpy ride for the nominee.

All this stuff about Wolfowitz is sucking the oxygen from other important news. The Iraqi Parliament met for the first time. The Times, Post, Washington Times and the LA Times pretty much all report the same thing. There was mortar fire in the distance, there is still no government in place, no real business was conducted but just getting to this point is a milestone. Amb. John Negroponte left Iraq yesterday a replacement is yet to be named. You would think that one would have been named almost immediately is Iraq not important enough?

Syria has completed the first phase of its pullback and it was made clear that Hezbollah has no intention to disarm. Christian relief organizations are getting kicked out of Aceh by the Indonesian government although some may be allowed to return. Berlusconni was more willing yesterday than the day before.

Lastly Mexico's President Fox is upset about a wall going up along the border saying that its "against freedom" and "discriminatory". Fox pooh-poohs the terrorist threat from the south. Well how's this or the recent round up of 103 members of the "gang" of illegal immigrants known as MS-13. According to a gang expert from the LAPD "Within the United States, these guys (MS-13) pose as much a threat to the well being of ordinary citizens as any foreign terrorist group." The leader who was arrested in Texas allegedly masterminded an attack on a bus in Honduras that killed 28 people. Does that make him a terrorist? Do I even need to mention how these criminals got into the country? There are an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 criminal illegal aliens, 30,000 in LA alone. I am all for immigration and more guest workers, but it has to be done the right way.