Bank Panel Faults Wolfowitz

World Bank president Paul Wolfowitz is guilty of a conflict of interest for finagling promotions and raises for his girlfriend, according to a panel of seven bank directors. The result isn't binding and doesn't recommend a punishment, but bank insiders tell the Times that a majority of the 24 board members want Wolfowitz out.

Only the board as a whole can fire the president. But the verdict is already sparking speculation about the Iraq war architect's resignation and—for forward-thinking bureaucrats—replacement. The foreign press is hinting that the scandal might afford Europe a chance to pick the president, abandoning the tradition of an American appointment. (More Paul Wolfowitz stories.)