Representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) all seem to possess certain characteristics: they are generally stiff, distanced, averse to compromise, like too many crash tests for Volvo `crumple zones'. Take, for example, former IMF managing director Michel Camdessus, who coldly witnessed former president Suharto sign the letter of intent (LoI) in January 1998. He sat unblinking with crossed arms while Suharto, like a student receiving ...