Wolfiwitz's Conflict of Interest Gets Regional

Yet another instance of high profile conflict of interest: According to an October 1st Washington Times article, the International Security Advisory Board (ISAB) is slated to release a new report on Chinese defense capabilities coupled with a series of recommendations for a U.S. response.  ISAB advised the State Department to make significant updates to our weapons systems (including missile defense), according to an advanced copy of the report obtained by the Times.

The Chairman of the ISAB, the former Deputy Defense Secretary and former President of the World Bank Paul Wolfowitz, is currently the chairman of the US-Taiwan Business Council, a non-profit group working to encourage U.S.-Taiwan economic relationships.  Clearly, a decision by the government to increase spending in defense against China would benefit U.S. trade with Taiwan.

POGO is curious to see the final report once it comes out.  We wonder how many billions of dollars those board members will recommend the U.S. spends.

-- Eric Orenstein