to expand the role of non-Western countries in the IMF, despite his Eurocentric background. He has hailed China’s status as a growth leader while mildly urging the country to allow its currency to rise in value, making it easier for the United States and European economies to export into China.

Personal foibles

Still, Strauss-Kahn’s professional successes have long stood in stark contrast to his personal foibles.

In 1997, France’s prime minister, Lionel Jospin, appointed Strauss-Kahn as his finance minister, one of the most powerful positions in the government. But two years later Strauss-Kahn was forced to resign the post amid a fraud scandal in which he was accused of charging for consulting work he never did while working as a corporate lawyer. He was cleared of wrongdoing and won reelection toshe thought was empty, when Strauss-Kahn emerged from the bathroom naked. He chased her and pulled her into a bedroom, where he began to sexually assault her, the woman told police. She said she fought him off, but he dragged her into the bathroom, according to the account. The woman eventually broke free and alerted hotel staff, who called police.

Police officials said Strauss-Kahn fled the room, leaving his cellphone behind. He later called the hotel to ask if he had left his phone, a police official said, and an employee asked for his location in order to return it. That led authorities to JFK International Airport, where they arrested Strauss-Kahn, who was on a plane bound for France, the official said. Officers with the Port Authority of New