Three points of view on nomination of Paul Wolfowitz to head World Bank:

Marshall Wittman: While Wolfowitz bears responsibility for the mishandling of the aftermath of the war, he has a world outlook that is fundamentally distinct from Bolton. In truth, Wolfowitz is a humanitarian internationalist in the tradition of Truman, JFK and Scoop. When the DeLays and Lotts excoriated the Clinton Administration on Kosovo, Wolfowitz stood firmly for a humanitarian intervention to prevent genocide. He has demonstrated genuine sympathy for the downtrodden whether they are tsunami victims or the Iraqi marsh Arabs. A few years ago, the Moose witnessed Wolfowitz as the target of hecklers at a pro-Israel rally when he voiced sympathy for the plight of the Palestinians.

Andrew Sullivan: “I’m with David (Brooks) on the assessment of Paul Wolfowitz. I’ve never understood the demonization of this man, whose integrity has always struck me as unimpeachable. He truly is a sincere backer of freedom around the world, has taken many lumps defending that increasingly vindicated principle, and been subjected to the usual obloquy from the reactionary parts of the left. The only moral question that hangs over him is the deployment of torture. I have no idea what his involvement in that shameful chapter of the war has been. But it would go against everything I know about the man to think he would approve. ”

Thomas Barnett: “A short comment on Wolfowitz for World Bank: He does have the background, and he’ll probably do a really good job. He wants to be his own guy, and this is one helluva job for someone with his long career of working with foreign governments. To me, it’s putting in the WB a guy who’s really smart on developing Asia (former ambassador to Indonesia famous for his immersion techniques), and that’s a huge plus right now. Getting all of Asia into the Core is more important than fixing the Middle East in the grand scheme of things–a lot more important. Having someone Bush really trusts in that job is key–a very good sign. It’s yet another amazing turn for a guy with an amazing career. I honestly see it as overwhelmingly positive, understanding the many misgivings many have about him. Comparing him to McNamara is nonsense, really. Two very different people. Wolfowitz is no technocrat, not even a Vulcan. Deep down, he’s far more romantic in his understanding of the world than anyone realizes, in my opinion. He’ll do fine. It’ll be a great choice in the end.”