Corruption in Afghanistan
Abstract
Corruption in Afghanistan is so prevalent that nearly every part of the population is affected by the damage that it causes. Bribery and nepotism is such a common theme throughout the Afghan culture, that is has essentially become a way of life; corruption is accepted there. Throughout the education system, bribery is effecting the thought process of up and coming generations. With the Afghan National Security Force, citizens of the country are used to paying fabricated “taxes” and “levies”. Foreign Direct Investments are showing a negative trend. And all of this is happening while the High Office of Oversight and Anti-Corruption is trying to reverse recent history.
Table of Contents
Abstract 2
Table of Contents 3
Introduction 4
Types of Corruption in Afghanistan 4
Perception of Corruption 6
Education and Corruption 8
Afghan National Security Forces and Corruption 9
Foreign Direct Investment 10
Anti-Corruption Efforts 11
Conclusion 12
References 14
Government and Corruption: Afghanistan
Introduction
Corruption is defined by Merriam-Webster’s dictionary as the impairment of integrity, virtue, or moral principle; an inducement to wrong by improper or unlawful means; a departure from the original or from what is pure or correct (Corruption – Definition, n.d.). In the country of Afghanistan, this definition truly hits home, not only to its residents, but to the rest of the world as well. Corruption destroys lives and communities, and undermines countries and institutions. It generates popular anger that threatens to further destabilize societies. Corruption translates to into human suffering, with poor families being extorted for bribes. It leads to failure in the delivery of basic services like education or healthcare. It derails the building of essential infrastructure, as corrupt leaders skim funds. As an outsider looking in, would you
Corruption in Afghanistan is so prevalent that nearly every part of the population is affected by the damage that it causes. Bribery and nepotism is such a common theme throughout the Afghan culture, that is has essentially become a way of life; corruption is accepted there. Throughout the education system, bribery is effecting the thought process of up and coming generations. With the Afghan National Security Force, citizens of the country are used to paying fabricated “taxes” and “levies”. Foreign Direct Investments are showing a negative trend. And all of this is happening while the High Office of Oversight and Anti-Corruption is trying to reverse recent history.
Table of Contents
Abstract 2
Table of Contents 3
Introduction 4
Types of Corruption in Afghanistan 4
Perception of Corruption 6
Education and Corruption 8
Afghan National Security Forces and Corruption 9
Foreign Direct Investment 10
Anti-Corruption Efforts 11
Conclusion 12
References 14
Government and Corruption: Afghanistan
Introduction
Corruption is defined by Merriam-Webster’s dictionary as the impairment of integrity, virtue, or moral principle; an inducement to wrong by improper or unlawful means; a departure from the original or from what is pure or correct (Corruption – Definition, n.d.). In the country of Afghanistan, this definition truly hits home, not only to its residents, but to the rest of the world as well. Corruption destroys lives and communities, and undermines countries and institutions. It generates popular anger that threatens to further destabilize societies. Corruption translates to into human suffering, with poor families being extorted for bribes. It leads to failure in the delivery of basic services like education or healthcare. It derails the building of essential infrastructure, as corrupt leaders skim funds. As an outsider looking in, would you
References: 2012 Corruption Perceptions Index -- Results. (2012). Retrieved May 30, 2013, from http://www.transparency.org/cpi2012/results Corruption & Anti-Corruption Issues in Afghanistan. (2012). Retrieved from Civil-Military Fusion Centre website: https://www.cimicweb.org/cmo/afg/Documents/Governance/ Afghanistan_Corruption_Volume.pdf Corruption - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved May 23, 2013, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corruption Corruption in Afghanistan: Recent patterns and trends. (2012). Retrieved from United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime website: http://www.unodc.org/documents/frontpage/ Corruption_in_Afghanistan_FINAL.pdf Delawari, N. (2008). Annual Report 2008. Retrieved from Afghanistan Investment Support Agency website: http://www.aisa.org.af/files/reports/english/ANNUAL%20REPROT.pdf Nazar, Z., & Takal, A. (2003, May 10). Afghanistan: Nepotism, Cronyism Widespread In Government | EurasiaNet.org. Retrieved May 27, 2013, from http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav051103.shtml Peter, T. A. (2010, December 7). Petraeus comments on corruption went too far, say Afghans - CSMonitor.com. Retrieved May 27, 2013, from http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2010/1207/Petraeus-comments-on-corruption-went-too-far-say-Afghans Reforming the Afghan National Police. (2012). Retrieved from Royal United Service Institute website: http://www.fpri.org/research/nationalsecurity/afghanpolice/Reforming AfghanNationalPolice.pdf