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That was my hypothesis about IMF involvement.  Bringing in the IMF allows them the option of hiding behind Uncle Sam's pantleg.

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.
by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Mon May 9th, 2011 at 08:26:54 AM EST
[ Parent ]
But Morgan Kelly's argument is that the IMF was a good deal more realistic and sympathetic to Ireland's case than the ECB and that the subsequent deal was almost as much an embarrassment to the IMF as the ECB.  If we have to identify a bad guy here, it is the unidimensional mandate and determination of the ECB to protect bondholders at all costs and put price stability above employment or structural balance within the EDurozone.

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by Frank Schnittger (mail Frankschnittger at hot male dotty communists) on Mon May 9th, 2011 at 03:43:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]
That's my recollection and my view, too, because it seemed obvious that the moment things went to shit in Greece/Ireland/wherever -- as we all said they would -- the anti-IMF chants would start and many would immediately fall for it.

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.
by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Mon May 9th, 2011 at 05:19:46 PM EST
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I don't think you and rootless2 agree on the extent of US influence on the IMF.
by afew (afew(a in a circle)eurotrib_dot_com) on Mon May 9th, 2011 at 04:06:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]
I've no idea, but I don't think it matters much.  The plans for Greece and Ireland was laid out broadly before the IMF got involved.  In fact, I seem to recall Colman posting something about the IMF saying that completely destroying Greece and Ireland probably wasn't a terribly awesome idea, to which I responded with something to the effect of "When the IMF is the sane one in the room, you know things are fucked up" or something.

The fact that we're even having this conversation is exactly why I didn't want the IMF involved.

Be nice to America. Or we'll bring democracy to your country.

by Drew J Jones (pedobear@pennstatefootball.com) on Mon May 9th, 2011 at 05:12:24 PM EST
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