I seriously think people are answering the wrong questions by only comparing the D3 Witch Doctor to D2 characters like the Necromancer or the Druid.
Blizzard has clearly stated that their games often influence each other. The Diablo series influenced the World of Warcraft series, which is now coming full circle to influence the newest Diablo game, at least in some respects.
Now then, why the Warlock?
Well, it's clear that the skills emphases match up quite well. Undead/demonic minions? Check. Curses/debuffs? Check. Poison/damage over time skills with a focus on disease? Check. Fire? Double check.
Case in point:
Quote:
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Originally Posted by WorldofWarcraft.com, Warlock Class Info
Warlocks are masters of shadow, flame, and demonic power. They are a robed class that excels at plaguing their enemies with disease or curses, hurling bolts of fire or shadow energy across the battlefield, and summoning demons to aid them in combat.
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Compare this description to the Blizzard gameplay demo video, where the narrator describes the Witch Doctor as a "master of disease and fire" who can "summon pets to do his bidding."
Rather than fall into the over-used gothic archetype that the Necromancer and Warlock fall into however, Blizzard opted to grant a shamanistic brand to a set of otherwise demonic powers. He summons the dead and throws festering clouds of demonic locusts onto his enemies...to protect his tribe from corruption and obey his gods.
A pretty original adaptation. Go Blizzard.
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