Abdullah: Corruption poses threat to Afghan stability
Fareed speaks with Afghan presidential candidate Abdullah Abdullah about corruption, ties with Pakistan, and whether his government would talk with the Taliban if he was elected president. Watch the video for the full exchange, or watch the first part of the interview here.
The question many people have about Afghanistan is about the corruption. There’s a sense that it is sort of out of control. We're talking about bagfuls of cash – millions and tens of millions of dollars – all this international aid that has been provided. Do you have any specific idea about how to deal with this, how to tackle it?
The first thing which is necessary is the recognition of the threat which corruption is posing to the stability in the country and to the wellbeing of the Afghan people.
It’s a serious challenge. It will be a serious challenge. And the first thing which is required is the political will. The political will will be there to deal with it, zero tolerance of corruption [at] the highest level. That is something that the people should feel, the people should sense, the people should see it from the first day of our government. And then, of course, there are certain other issues. There are legislative issues in that regard. There is the issue of law enforcement, rule of law.
As a whole, we think that it’s a priority, and it will be a priority for the future government of Afghanistan and it has to be dealt with in outright manner. Corruption is not just the issue of international assistances. Within the system, nepotism and certain other aspects of this, part of it is due to the problem of drugs, narcotics, in the country. Part of it is the absence of rule of law.
So there will be an opportunity to deal with this challenge. And I'm sure that the people of Afghanistan will be supportive of any effort in this regard, because the people are suffering on a daily basis because of widespread corruption at different levels of the government.
@fareedzakaria on Twitter
So true. Corruption poses a threat to every society in which money can buy favors of government.
Quite true Allan, quite true indeed. Corruption is the West's biggest export. The same thing was true about South Vietnam until it fell to the Vietcong in 1975.
Yawn @Faux Joey.
Not even remotely credible.
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And related news in the literary world has Sarah Palin hosting another book signing event this weekend at her trailer park. Tens of people are expected to show up.
@ palintwit. Safe to say Sarah Palin is not a favorite person of yours?
Name one reason.
For starters she's a low life grifter.
I am sure there are sticky hands in Afghanistan as well as in all countries; Mexico and Washington to name a few.
VVery informative and unbiased.
Lmao @ Ghandi gotta agree....Washington does seem like a different "country" doesnt it?
It is really laughable to see Abdullah is talking about corruption. He was part of a death squad who killed 7,000 innocent people in Kabul, dissolved the army, and looted the public wealth.
Again after 2001, he and his gang were the backbone of corruption in the country.
Now, he is standing against the second top thinker in world, Dr. Ghani, who has 3 PhDs. Isn't that sarcastic???????
So sad to see this Killer/Warlord is being interviewed by a leading western media outlet.
Barack Obama's depending on these people for the future proxy occupation of Afghanistn since the West has gigantic plans to exploit Afghanistan's underground mineral resources. Unlike what the right-wing media reports, the NATO forces are no more the heroes than the Russians were the villains in Afghanistan. Just don't believe in all that right-wing propaganda from the West!
George Patton, you are right. if your face the same situation in your country, you will never vote anyone to interrupt from outside. There is no need for US to decide, people will decide themselves, whom to vote for presidential elections. as far as (True Afghan) says that a PHD holder vs a warlord or killer. this is his way of thinking, While Dr Abdullah has got the majority of the votes, you can never claim 100% transparent elections in Afghanistan unless you dont bring the right people in Election Commission, whom should not work for the benefit of any candidate.
People dont need PHD holders with having racist thoughts.
Why not think about win-win situation?
The US should rely on Dr. Ghani who has done most of education in the United States, and understand better how to deal with the west, and the meantime be a better leader in Afghanistan.
Hello, Phunnie boy. Now you're posting under the name of True Afghan. The majority of most Afghans want no part of NATO and I don't blame them!!!
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