Image by Alain PilonFrom The Wall Street Journal:
ALLEGATIONS of ballot-stuffing in the presidential election in Afghanistan last month are now so widespread that a recount is necessary, and perhaps even a runoff. Yet this electoral chicanery pales in comparison to the systemic, day-to-day corruption within the administration of President Hamid Karzai, who has claimed victory in the election. Without a concerted campaign to fight this pervasive venality, all our efforts there, including the sending of additional troops, will be in vain.
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My comment: When I think of the billions in aid that has flowed into Afghanistan for the past 8 years.... and with little if anything to show for it .... you know that there is a problem. Throw in tribalism and the influence of family connections and party loyalty to get what assistance there is left .... you then know that you have a recipe for disaster. A disaster that was crystallized with the wanton corruption and fraud that was witnessed in the latest Afghan election.
Joseph Kearns Goodwin's list of solutions makes sense .... unfortunately .... in Afghanistan one will have to assume that the men who will operate as ombudsmen will themselves be just as corrupt as the men that they are suppose to watch over. Goodwin's recommendations will not work .... because there is no one in Afghanistan who will be willing to follow them.
Corruption and tribalism has been a way of life for centuries. It is ingrained into Afghan culture and life, and it is one of the many reasons why they have had continuous warfare and suffering during all of this time.
A U.S./NATO presence will not be able to change this culture even if we make the decision to stay there for the next few life times .... and even then.
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