World Bank screws another poor nation

No, the Wolfowitz issue is another problem. In this case, it is their decision to support and guarantee the $1.2BILLION hydroelectric plant in Laos. Putting aside the numerous environmental issues, this is without a doubt a country that cannot handle the burden of such a cost. I have spent a fair amount of time in Laos and these are among the poorest people in the world and most of the country is without electricity already and with this plan, they will be exporting the majority of it to Thailand. So where does the revenue go? Just as in the oil producing countries, it goes into the private bank accounts of the government leaders.

In Laos, you can always easily spot the communist officials because they are the (rare) ones driving the Mercedes or BMWs. (The NGOs seem to prefer the brand new, expensive Toyota LandCruisers.) They government doesn't give a rats ass about the people and only care about how much they have in their pockets. Most people in Laos live on about $1 per day so how could any international organization be so blind to the massive, unfair burden on a very poor population? What a bunch of blind assholes.