The executive board of the World Bank concluded deliberations yesterday without reaching a conclusion on how to handle the growing controversy over its president, Paul Wolfowitz. It will resume talks today.

The White House is reportedly trying to figure out a deal to put the scandal behind it without damaging Wolfowitz's reputation. The administration has reiterated its support for the embattled World Bank leader, who is accused of violating the bank's rules by giving his girlfriend, a former bank employee, favorable treatment.

But his departure appears all but certain, even to President Bush. "I regret that it has come to this," Bush said on Thursday. "I believe all parties in this matter have acted in good faith."

Wolfowitz is negotiating terms for his departure, but he refuses to resign over the allegations.

According to the Washington Post, the White House recommended that the board issue a statement admitting that Wolfowitz erred, but also accepting some of the blame itself. Then Wolfowitz could resign on his own terms, perhaps after a few months have passed.

But the board flatly rejected that proposal, as some of its members are unwilling to shoulder the blame for the compensation terms of Wolfowitz's girlfriend. Some members worried that they would jeopardize their own integrity by exonerating him, with some saying they were offended and "horrified" by the White House's offer, the Post reports.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal examines the problems Wolfowitz will leave behind at the World Bank, including the challenge of rebuilding support from its country members. Rumors of potential successors are already swirling around Washington. The short list, according to the Journal, includes former deputy secretary of state Robert Zoellick and Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt. Some even speculate that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson could step in to repair some of the damage.