The plot thickens: Contract suggests multiple conflicts of interest with Wolfowitz's girlfriend's work

18 April 2007

The details of Shaha Riza's contract as a consultant and her public statements potentially reinforce the claim that there was a conflict of interest between her activities in Iraq while still employed by the World Bank.

These new developments were made public by the Goverment Accountability Project (GAP).  GAP's International Program Director, Bea Edwards, said the following:"Considering that Riza was reportedly romantically involved with Wolfowitz at the time, that the Iraq War was imminent, that SAIC was a defense contractor, and that the World Bank had active projects in Iraq, multiple conflicts of interest probably existed”.

GAP released the following statement regarding Ms. Shaha Riza's work for a contractor in Iraq, while on leave from, but still employed by, the World Bank:

• SAIC Contract Indicates Riza Paid, April 18, 2007 (GAP website)