I am always for giving people the benefit of the doubt. I am not a Bush-hater at all, but I am deeply critical of this choice. For all I know Wolfowitz might make an excellent World Bank president. But it is such a bad PR move by President Bush. Such blatant disregard for world opinion. Wolfowitz embodies the Pentagon's muscle powered thumb-nosing of the world. For that reason, he should NOT be approved. If Washington does have the deciding voice (which it shouldn't), couldn't Bush at least have tried to find a non-controversial and capable conservative among the country's 300-odd million inhabitants? Michel van dee Hoek, Anoka, MN, USA
Although I'm sure Wolfowitz's nomination to head the World Bank will offend many, my view is that the more action-takers who have management control over supranational non-government organisations (NGOs), the better. Wolfowitz, previously Dean of International Relations at John Hopkins, is nothing if not a realist; his views on the impact of the Iraq invasion on the Middle East (comparing its knock-on effect to Eastern European democratisation in the late 80s) are not the rantings of a neo-conservative madman. What is more, his views have been proved to be more accurate than those of European liberal "intelligentsia". He's a thinker, and more importantly, a doer (unheard of in NGOland) - why not just calm down, stop hyperventilating in the usual liberal manner and give the guy a crack at the job? Jonathan Jones, Worcestershire
A disastrous choice, shame on the Bush administration. After Wolfenshon's woeful rein the institution needed a new beginning, e.g. an effective business leader with a vision and a tough stance on corruption. The institution needs urgent refocusing, now that A. Krueger is back in town ("God help those IMF borrower countries") and the shadow of the "Washington consensus'" looms large again over the whole group's activities, we are stuck with this man. An individual of great intellect, but zero development credentials and a bearer of disastrous ideas, a partial "warmonger" in lieu of a visionary leader for the 21st century whose only concern would not have been his own image as per Wolfenson's idea of running the institution. It's a true shame. The only institution that could become an agent of good governance and sustainable development to be headed by Wolfowitz! Alessandro Augustus de Leon, New York, USA
He is the right man to take over. The World Bank, like the UN, needs fresh blood, fresh thinking, and real, practical action. Business as usual doesn't cut it anymore. Right or wrong, the war in Iraq at least represents a new strategy, as opposed to the European "let's do nothing and see if something happens" approach. John Dawson, Fayetteville, NC, USA
The World Bank needs an objective and experienced financial manager who will assess the needs of countries in an objective long term manner. What it does NOT need is a right-wing Washington hawk who quite obviously will have the brief to tie any aid to those countries who are prepared to support the United States view of the world. This is an appalling choice which should be rejected by Europe. Brian Fargher, Birmingham
The appointment of Paul Wolfowitz as that head of the World Bank comes across as a defence appointment rather than one based on merit and genuine vision for change. The war on terror seems to dictate every move from the Whitehouse lately. Terror has to be fought on every terrain and since almost every currency is pegged to the dollar, it’s only logical to strategically place one of Bush’s soldiers at the bank so they can get any country back in line if they dare think outside the "American box". Adekugbe Yinka, London
A mean-spirited, vindictive warmonger whose organization could not plan for the immediate future of a backwards nation can not possibly be of any benefit to the poor and the down-trodden of the world. A perfect choice for the World Bank! Alfred Tripplebakker, Waterbury, USA
Absolutely a brilliant choice. He has the intelligence, strength of character, and management skills to make sound plans to use all resources in the most effective way to help those who really deserve and need aid. Weakness is no virtue in dealing with tough minded world bureaucrats who have their own pet cows to feed. Mr.Wolfowitz will do what is right and will not cave in or pander to the priviledged elitist. Reg Armstrong, Amarillo, USA
How will this nomination affect British or American people? It is different for the people from the developing countries. This is about our future, not yours. This is the worst and the most irresponsible decision Bush could take. R Brenes, San Jose, Costa Rica
Isn't it a pity that those who hate Wolfowitz daren't offer up an alternate nor anything positive rather they pour scorn and distain over anthing or anyone who doesn't appear to side with their petty and naive views of how the world should be. The World Bank needs change and if he is the right man for the job (as I believe he is), then appoint him. The corrupt pracitses have to stop and lets fix up the UN too - it's in need of more corruption routing than ever before. Change is the only thing in this world that is constant and it should be embraced by all. Name and address withheld
Based on the job that he and the rest of the Necons have done in Iraq,do we really want this guy in a position of any responsibility? James Boland, Denver, USA
Paul Wolfowitz has a proven record of defying corrupt and repressive regimes such as Baathist Iraq, and this will be very valuable in imprving governance in the developing world. His radical beliefs and confrontational style could change the failed consensus over Africa which is failing millions. Ben Slingo, Bedford
If Paul Wolfowitz were hired as President of our local bank, I'd immediately move my account elsewhere. N. L. Hare, Arroyo Grande, USA
The World Bank position demands a person with broad knowledge and experience, honesty, even handiness, lack of favoutitism and prejudice and fair dealing. Wolfowitz scores extremely low points on such a list. He lacks stature and would only serve to further the Bush agenda and with particular reference, undoubtedly, to changing population control strategies. J Houston, Dak Lak, Vietnam
Wolfowitz is an excellent candidate. The world bank needs a shake up and this man is perfect for the job. He has a long distingushed career of advocating freedom. What a breath of fresh air! Ramiro Vaca, Los Angeles, USA
It's a disaster. The last thing struggling countries need is a right wing scare-mongerer like Wolfowitz, who will only help those who support the American Empire continue to steamroll all in it's path. Paul Griffiths, Grand Cayman
The appointment of Wolfowitz will problably prove unfortunate for the weaker nations looking to the World Bank to help them out of poverty. Neocon sentiments and hardline U.S. politics have no place in such an international organisation. I find the pro-Wolfowitz comments on this website disturbing. Jesper Josefsson, Mariehamn, Finland
An excellent choice. If Claire Short is dismayed, then it can only be a good thing. Michael Fagan, Edinburgh
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