PRESIDENT BUSH sparked howls of outrage from foes and a distinct lack of enthusiasm from friends after nominating Paul Wolfowitz, the key architect of the Iraq war, to head the World Bank.

The decision was regarded by some European governments and aid agencies as provocative and set the scene for a potentially bruising fight with Washington over the post.

Germany said that it was underwhelmed by Mr Bush’s choice and France suggested that Mr Wolfowitz’s candidacy might be challenged. Even Downing Street said that it was only the beginning of the appointment process. Greenpeace said that it was “very disturbed”.

Mr Bush’s move marked the second time this month that he has risked a rift with allies over an important appointment. Last week he named John Bolton, the fiery State Department hawk, as Ambassador to the United Nations.

The appointments remove two of the most controversial figures of the first Bush term from the heart of Washington decision-making. But, for all Mr Bush’s conciliatory gestures at the start of his second term, he is sending Mr Wolfowitz and Mr Bolton, both known for their robust and outspoken promotion of US interests, to key seats on world bodies knowing that their arrival will be greeted with trepidation.

The World Bank provides funding for development projects in the world’s poorest countries and is traditionally headed by an American. The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which offers loans tied to strict economic benchmarks, is customarily headed by a European.

The usual niceties may not apply this time. Europeans are striking an increasingly assertive stance with America, such as their promise to lift the European Union’s arms embargo against China in the teeth of US opposition.

Some European officials also regard precedent as being on the side of a challenge after the United States blocked Caio Koch Weser, a former World Bank official nominated by Germany, from heading the IMF in 2000. Officials predicted harsh opposition from the World Bank board.

Michel Barnier, the French Foreign Minister, said that Mr Wolfowitz’s name was merely a proposal. “We shall examine it in the context of the personality and perhaps in view of other candidates,” M Barnier said.

Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, the German Development Minister, said: “The enthusiasm of old Europe is not exactly overwhelming.”

Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, said that Mr Wolfowitz was “very distinguished and experienced internationally” but did not take his appointment for granted. Mr Straw said that he would look forward to working with him if he won confirmation.

Mr Bush telephoned world leaders in advance to explain his decision and, at a press conference yesterday, he praised Mr Wolfowitz as “a compassionate, decent man who will do a fine job”.

Mr Wolfowitz, 61, has served as Deputy Defence Secretary since the President came to office in 2001. He is a former Ambassador to Indonesia and Professor of International Relations at Johns Hopkins University. But he is best known for his role as the highly controversial neo-conservative hawk who was the “brains” behind the Iraq war.

Cerebral and softly spoken, Mr Wolfowitz had spent much of the past decade arguing that Saddam Hussein had to be replaced to ensure stability in the Middle East and security at home.

When Mr Bush assembled his war Cabinet at Camp David on the first weekend after the September 11 attacks, Mr Wolfowitz argued for confronting Iraq immediately. He was the leading proponent of the strategy that a democratic Iraq would inspire democracy throughout the region. As much as anyone else, he is the intellectual father of what has become the Bush doctrine — the use of force, if necessary, to spread freedom, both for its own ends and to make the US more secure.

Mr Bush said that Mr Wolfowitz would make a strong president of the World Bank. He hoped that sceptics would “get to know Paul better” before judging his fitness to take over from James Wolfensohn, who is standing down in June after ten years in the post.

There is Republican pressure to reform the World Bank so that it becomes more of a facilitator for private-sector involvement and less of a direct intervener.

Mr Wolfowitz’s girlfriend, Shaha Ali Riza, works at the World Bank. Ms Riza, who was born in Tunis and grew up in Saudi Arabia, is an ardent proponent of spreading democratic rights throughout the Arabic world. Her low-key presence in Mr Wolfowitz’s life surprises critics, who assert that he masterminds a Zionist conspiracy from the Pentagon.

PAUL WOLFOWITZ

March 2001- : Deputy Secretary of Defence. Champion of missile defence. Leading proponent of Iraq war

WORLD VIEWS OF WOLFOWITZ

“It is important to wait for the end of the appointment process and, of course, we will be involved in discussions and consultations with the US and others. It is important for us that the World Bank takes forward the challenging agenda we are setting for Africa”
Downing Street spokesman

“This is a nomination by the US Government. Paul Wolfowitz is very distinguished and experienced internationally and, if his appointment is confirmed, we look forward to working with him”
Jack Straw, Foreign Secretary

“I have known Paul Wolfowitz personally and professionally for a long time. He is a person of high intellect, integrity and broad experience”
James Wolfensohn, outgoing World Bank chief

“The enthusiasm in old Europe is not exactly overwhelming”
Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul, German Development Minister

“It is a disaster to put the World Bank, which should be delivering sustainable development, into the hands of a man who clearly will put US and oil-industry interests first”
Greenpeace

“We need someone with professional experience in helping people to escape from poverty. Mr Wolfowitz does not have that track record”
Jeffrey Sachs, Columbia University

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