NPR's interview with Joanna Nathan about US corruption in Afghanistan.
Intro: Joanna Nathan represented the International Crisis Group in Afghanistan. Last week, Nathan wrote on Foreign Policy's Web site that the U.S. focus on rooting out corruption in Afghanistan's government is disingenuous, because the U.S. is as corrupt as any player there.
Joanna Nathan: The vast majority of the money in Afghanistan flows outside the Afghan government budget in these large contracts. Many of the big companies there that supply everything from gravel for roads to translators have high level connections. That was a decision -- to work with a few people rather than get into this messy nation building. It's meant very little accountability.
NPR: In a recent blog post on Foreign Policy's website, you first applauded this new focus on high level corruption. But you also said it's hypocritical of the US not to acknowledge the part it plays in encouraging and enabling this corruption.
Joanna Nathan: To me it's very much about process rather than individuals. It's basically dull work: there is no silver bullet. You have people in systems now, entrenched at the very heart of government after eight years. Indeed, if we become fixated on fighting with the leadership there to get rid of this figure or that figure, that distracts from the wider issues and tackling it in a manner that will be sustainable.
NPR: What would be an example of how the west -- in particular the US -- has acted that actually encouraged corruption?
Joanna Nathan: Sure. I think they have to be very clear with the allies they work with -- that they're not prepared to turn a blind eye to the illegal activity that they know about. What we see again and again is a very fragmented approach by [foreign] contingents around the country. So you have Americans largely in the east and south, the British/Canadians in the south, Spaniards and Italians over in the west and the Germans in the north. These countries often do not want strong men in their particular area upset because it might be destabilizing for their area. So again and again we have a short-term focus. People don't want to rock the boat in their area with their troops.
NPR: President Karzai has not only admitted there's corruption but he said he's going to do something about it. He's pointed his own finger at the international communities and he needs help from them. What do you think? Is he capable of being tough himself in trying to solve some of this systematic corruption?
Joanna Nathan: I would very much hope so. I think this is what the Afghan people are crying out for. And -- more than that -- it is actually required if there is to be stability in the country. It creates such disillusionment and alienation and it's fuel for the insurgency.
