First, people were shocked to learn of corruption in the oil-for-food scandal, since one never associates shady dealings with the oil industry. Now, people will be equally amazed to learn of similiar problems in occupied Iraq; because corruption and questionable ethics in the midst of a aggressive military excursion is something no one could possibly have predicted.
The reconstruction of post-war Iraq is in danger of becoming "the biggest corruption scandal in history."
This fear was expressed not by long-haired hippies, liberal agitators, Europeans or other 'America-haters.'
It was made by the independent corruption watchdog organization Transparency International.
"Strong and immediate measures must be taken to address corruption before the real spending on reconstruction starts," it said.
Iraq has so far failed to learn the lessons of post-war reconstruction in Cambodia, Congo and Afghanistan, TI said, where a combination of weak government, thriving black markets, and a legacy of patronage allowed corruption to flourish, reports the BBC. [T]he body is critical of the United States' handling of the reconstruction process, arguing that its process for awarding public contracts was secretive and favoured a small number of large firms.
"Corruption doesn't just line the pockets of political and business elites, it leaves ordinary people without essential services and deprives them of access to sanitation and housing," said Peter Eigen, Transparency International's chairman.
The World Bank - which since last year has required all companies awarded large-scale projects under its control to sign an anti-bribery agreement - said the report highlighted issues of "deep concern".
However, the appointment of Paul Wolfowitz, a key architect of the Iraq war and occupation, as new head of the World Bank may call into question the future resolve of the Bank to deal with corruption in Iraq.
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