The World Bank defines corruption as “a form of breach of trust or crime committed by a person or organisation entrusted with a position of power in order to obtain unlawful advantages or abuse that power for the benefit of the individual.”
Corruption often comes as a result of economic, social and political crises in a country. It can appear when the state becomes embroiled in domestic civil wars, conflicts in foreign lands or when the country is plagued by sectarian and religious issues. When hit with corruption, it´s as if the state acquires a chronic disease that only can be cured by eradicating the scourge of corruption with shock therapy. The state needs to make bold decisions that will advance society and that will build foundations for future generations and guarantee them a decent life.
In Iraq, a country that has seen much conflict and instability in recent decades, the rampant administrative and financial corruption is a product of years of war and conflict. Theft and murky political deals among the war profiteers and merchants of our political class are commonplace. They do not care about the fate of future generations. State administration is not working as there is no basis for a state governed by law here.
Furthermore, as the role of the Iraqi judiciary in combating administrative and financial corruption is weak, funds continue to be confiscated at rampant rates, reaching trillions. The corruption figures here are terrifying to see but they are a reality and most political parties are involved in the scheme. Corruption will continue to rise as long as there is impunity in Iraq.
Over the next ten years, I believe Iraq will suffer heavily from administrative and financial corruption unless corruption probes are launched in state ministries and the judiciary branch implements stricter legislation and actually begins punishing those who steal public money at the expense of Iraqi citizens. Iraq will continue to suffer and be plagued by instability unless a long-term strategic plan is put in place to combat corruption.
