Is Afghanistan Really a “Fantastically Corrupt” Country?
When British Prime Minister David Cameron was overheard calling Afghanistan and Nigeria “fanatically corrupt” countries on the eve of an anti-corruption summit in London, the incident was labeled as “embarrassing” and “unfair” by some in both countries.
Afghanistan’s president, Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, said he did not have a problem with Cameron’s statement, but added that he was elected “on a mandate to make transparency, accountability and rule of law the imperative.” Moreover, he said the West’s demand for narcotics is one of the major sources of corruption in Afghanistan.
The question that arises is who is responsible? Is it the previous government? The international community? The current government, or a combination of the above? After all, a country does not beco...