I’m wondering what others here think about the latest Volcker report. Does the report vindicate Kofi Annan, or does it really mean, “We think he’s guilty, but we can’t prove it”?
What about the press coverage? Is the U.S. media reflecting the right wing’s determination to get rid of Annan, and spinning the news to be as negative for him as possible?
What’s really going on here?…
I’ll give you my take, and then let you tell me where I’m off-base.
First, I look at the amount of money involved in Kojo Annan’s “corrupt” employment by Cotecna Inspection Services, and I think: you’ve got to be kidding me! $200,000 over three years? If this is corruption, it’s pretty inept. What, did he also cheat at poker to supplement his income? If you want some real corruption, check out Halliburton’s profits in Iraq; have a look at Enron and WorldCom.
It appears to me that sonny-boy used his mother’s–not his father’s–influence to get a job with this company, that they paid him a very modest salary hoping that the connection might be helpful, and… that’s about it.
Second, the Volcker report says that Kofi Annan’s investigation into the relationship of his son and Cotecna Inspection Services was inadequate. Again, I have the sense that there isn’t much here. A horrifically over-extended Secretary-General of the U.N. looks quickly into some allegations, is misled by his own son, concludes that nothing is really amiss, and goes back to other more pressing business. Later, unluckily for him, it turns out that there really was some profiteering in the oil-for-food program, and he looks bad. But if he had done a more thorough investigation, what would he have discovered? At most, he would have found that his son had used his ex-wife’s influence to get a cushy job. Would the real problems have come to light? I’m not sure.
Given the huge opportunities for corruption in this situation–Saddam, big money available, oil–the amounts of money being mentioned in connection with Kojo Annan are laughable. Again, think Halliburton, Enron, WorldCom.
Which brings me back to what seems to be the real issue here: the determination of American right-wingers to cripple the U.N., and to oust Kofi Annan and replace him with a Secretary-General who will be more compliant to U.S. wishes.
Fire away! Please.
I think your analysis is solid. Kofi was being rounded up for the altar, but there was nothing that would stick. If there were, we would surely hear of it.
The real corruption is among war profiteers and where’s the missing 9 billion?
But someone is also looking into real corruption, let’s hope they are persistent.
Congressional watchdog probing pundit payment
It seems they have Kofi where they want him. He is now “damaged goods”, and therefore weakened. Either he resigns and is replaced by a more compliant effigy, or more likely he continues to the end of his term but is unable to really do anything.
As you point out the real scandal concerning Iraq and money is Halliburton. If Republicans can call for Kofi’s head over this, then if there were any evenhandedness Cheyney would be locked up now and the key would have been thrown away.
Unfortunately the world is not fair.
Hi observer,
You wrote, “It seems they have Kofi where they want him. He is now “damaged goods”, and therefore weakened. Either he resigns and is replaced by a more compliant effigy, or more likely he continues to the end of his term but is unable to really do anything.”
I had this thought as well, but then I read Kofi’s response to the question, will you now consider resigning? “Hell, no!”
Sounds like he may be tough enough to carry on.
Hope you are right. I have always liked old Kofi, and he is just about the only world statesman my wife has ever admitted to liking!
In US Congress calling themselves US senator, Norm Coleman (R-MN) at al.
Made the most of a distraction, initiated by his Congressional committee, resting assured the MSM herd of sheep would follow to the green pastures of UN grounds.
*One down, two to go.
GOP global USA didn’t want any media attention for the failed Iraq “reconstruction” effort and the trials of US soldiers for committing crimes against Iraqi civilians.
$$$ billions have gone wasted in the first two years of US rule in Iraq under Paul Bremer and John Negroponte. You have to do your own search for the “no need to be responsible” and no-bid contracts awarded KBR, Titan, Halliburton, Accenture, etc, etc.
Congress is clearly unleashed on a Wild West extremist agenda for its own fulfillment, NOT FOR THE PEOPLE.
Respectfully, a Great Diary!
Oui – Liberté – Egalité – Fraternité
Interesting choice of the word lynched, was that intentional? And yes I do think that. Bush/co have been after him since bush took office…and Faux news has been bitching about Annan for many many years now.
I like Annan and considering the enormity of the job believe he has done well, better in some areas than others but overall a good job.
Your opinion mirrors mine. I think Annan’s being set up for a fall from Thugs-R-Us. It’s a shame, too, because I like the guy and think he’s done a decent job.