October 9, 2003

World Bank economists conclude Iraq can absorb only about $6 billion in aid in 2004 for its infrastructure needs; Bush administration officials say target can be met from American and international donors; World Bank, United Nations and administration officials are struggling to plan for international donors' conference they fear could be judged failure for lack of pledges; administration official says Spain, conference host, is concerned that United States might delay bid for United Nations resolution on Iraq's future government until after late Oct conference or even abandon resolution (M)

Gov-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger moves quickly to prepare for governing California, naming Rep David Dreier, his campaign co-chairman, to run transition; strongly suggests he will ask Pres Bush for federal aid, news conference; reaches out to prominent Democrats, including Sen Dianne Feinstein; sets tone of confidence, good humor and reconciliation; says he will place his businesses in blind trust and stop making movies; repeats pledge not to raise taxes and to rescind new law that lets undocumented workers apply for driver's licenses; Gov Gray Davis, while pledging smooth transition, is busily dealing with some 100 last-minute appointments and 279 recently passed bills; plans are afoot to call special Senate session to confirm dozens of Democratic appointments to state boards and commissions before Schwarzenegger takes office; unofficial results show recall of Davis passed by 55.4 percent to 44.6 percent; Schwarzenegger won 48.6 percent of vote on replacement ballot and Lt Gov Cruz Bustamante 31.6 percent; photo (M)

Louis Armstrong House in Queens, bought by Lucille Armstrong in 1943 and presented to her husband as gift upon his return from out-of-town gig, is set to open as museum; photos (L)

World Business Briefing: Brita

Alessandra Stanley reviews Frontline documentary Truth, War and Consequences; photo (M)