[further proof that the WTO isn't the powerful rich countries' cabal that lots of left critics see it as]
Financial Times - December 15, 2005
Making sense of WTO's bewildering variety By Guy de Jonquieres Published: December 15 2005 02:00 | Last updated: December 15 2005 02:00
^^^^^ CB; Not to be contrary, but when I read this article , I didn't exactly get a good impression of the WTO. First ,the authors are "bewildered" by the variety of the human race. We might euphemistically call that ethnocentrism.
"Riding herd over 149 different delegations..."
^^^ CB: They are a herd ?
^^^^^
It does not always succeed. The big political deals are supposed to be hammered out in the so-called Green Room, an inner sanctum of about 30 ministers from a range of countries that varies according to the subject at hand.
Although indispensable to managing meetings, the Green Room is resented by those excluded. Anger at being sidelined prompted poorer countries to walk out of the Cancun talks, precipitating their collapse. This time, co-ordinators have been charged with consulting and informing them about developments.
^^^^ CB: Sounds like the real decisions are made isolated from the majority of the "herd", who resent that.
^^^^^ "After many recent WTO meetings, participants have departed saying there must be a better way of doing business. However, despite numerous proposals for reforms, none has yet been devised."
CB: Doesn't exactly sound like they are doing better.