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Iraq is in the grip of corruption: who bears responsibility and where does the solution lie?
August 22, 2024 Last updated: August 22, 2024
The Independent / Investigative Report / - Today, Iraq lives in the grip of deep-rooted corruption, similar to a multi-headed ogre that does not stop growing and expanding, seizing the country’s resources and obstructing development and progress efforts.
Despite efforts to combat this scourge, corruption continues to worsen, raising urgent questions about who bears responsibility for the continuation of this situation and where real solutions can be found.
Sudanese government censorship: efforts of questionable effectiveness
Since Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani assumed the position of Prime Minister, fighting corruption has been his government's top priority.
The Sudanese came to carry the banner of change and promise to achieve what previous governments could not do, but Iraq, which suffers from deep-rooted corruption, requires more than just promises and slogans.
The new government issued many directives, including a call for an immediate response to corruption reports and the implementation of judicial decisions within 24 hours, but these efforts, despite their apparent seriousness, are still subject to doubt.
The question that arises is: Is launching these initiatives enough to bring about radical change in a country where corruption is part of the power structure?
Al-Sudani may be right in his enthusiasm to fight corruption, but can he withstand the challenges of political pressure and internal collusion?
Corruption in Iraq is not just an individual case here or there; It is a complex system that benefits influential parties capable of aborting any attempt at reform.
Although Sudanese has begun to move stagnant waters through bold decisions, his success remains dependent on his ability to confront the whales of corruption that have deep networks within state institutions.
In light of these complications, can the Sudanese government fulfill its promises, or will it join the list of governments that made big promises but failed to fulfill them?
House Oversight: Poor performance and limited impact
is supposed to play The Iraqi Council of Representatives a central role in monitoring the government and holding those responsible for corruption accountable.
However, the reality reflects a clear weakness in the Council's performance, as it has often become part of the problem rather than part of the solution.
The political alliances that control the Council are often a stumbling block to activating its oversight role.
This manifests itself in delaying or disrupting parliamentary inquiries under partisan pressure or as a result of political bargaining.
This weakness in the supervisory role exacerbates the phenomenon of corruption and provides the corrupt with the opportunity to evade accountability.
The Council, which was supposed to be the guarantor of protecting the people’s rights and monitoring the performance of the executive authority, has become a tool in the hands of political alliances that prefer to preserve their own interests at the expense of the public interest.
In this context, the influence of narrow partisan interests that hinder the work of the Council cannot be ignored.
These interests prevent the activation of parliamentary oversight as required, and make it difficult to pass the necessary laws to combat corruption.
The result is that corruption files remain unresolved, without a radical solution, which weakens the people’s confidence in the House of Representatives and enhances the climate of impunity.
Judicial oversight: Weakness in resolving major cases
The judiciary in Iraq is considered the last stronghold that citizens must resort to in the face of corruption, but this fortress has also become breached.
The weakness of the judicial system in dealing with major corruption cases reflects a deeper problem of independence and political pressures affecting the administration of justice.
Many cases related to corruption remain stuck in the corridors of the judiciary, where trials are delayed and rulings are postponed due to political interference or pressure exerted by influential people.
This dynamic not only obstructs the course of justice, but also reinforces a culture of impunity.
Corrupt people in Iraq are well aware that the judiciary, which should be a strict watchdog, can be exploited by complicating legal procedures or using political connections to avoid accountability.
In this climate, corruption becomes an integral part of daily life, and citizens feel that the judicial system is powerless to protect them or preserve their rights.
Without real and comprehensive reform of the judicial system, corruption will continue to spread unchecked, and the Iraqi judiciary will continue to be seen as part of the problem rather than part of the solution.
The role of media and culture: between awareness and misinformation
The media in any society is the watchdog and the voice of the oppressed,
but in Iraq, the media is often part of a network of interests that fuels corruption rather than exposes it.
The Iraqi media has the ability to expose corruption and shed light on illegal practices,
but this role is often undermined by political and economic ties that limit its independence.
The media, which is supposed to be a platform for transparency, often turns into tools of misinformation. Manipulation of information, bias in coverage, and reliance on suspicious sources of funding are all factors that make the media unable to fulfill its role in the fight against corruption. Instead of being a means of educating the public and motivating them to hold them accountable, the media has become part of the system that protects the corrupt and closes the doors to any attempt at reform.
On the cultural side, Iraq faces great challenges in establishing the values of integrity and accountability. Public culture often tolerates corruption or considers it part of “realpolitik.”
The arts, education, and independent media are all tools that should be used to promote a culture that respects the law and promotes transparency.
Without a radical change in the cultural and media system, corruption will continue and the Iraqi people will remain hostage to a system that lacks integrity.
The American role: suspicious influence and intentional disregard?
The issue of corruption in Iraq cannot be addressed without referring to the role that the United States has played since its occupation of the country in 2003.
American policies in Iraq, especially with regard to reconstruction and the distribution of contracts, have contributed greatly to creating a fertile environment for corruption.
Many US-financed reconstruction contracts were not well thought out and were implemented without adequate oversight, resulting in billions of dollars being wasted.
This financial chaos not only contributed to rampant corruption, but also helped build networks of corrupt people who still maintain their influence inside Iraq.
Although US forces have largely withdrawn, American influence remains strong in Iraq.
There are accusations that the United States turns a blind eye to some corruption files in order to preserve its strategic interests.
These policies, whether the result of negligence or design, have contributed to the deepening of the corruption crisis in Iraq, making it difficult for any Iraqi government to achieve real progress in combating this phenomenon.
The role of the United Nations: international oversight and its limited impact
The United Nations, which is supposed to be a neutral international body that contributes to enhancing transparency and supporting the rule of law, was not immune from criticism in Iraq.
Some UN-run aid programs have faced accusations of corruption or mismanagement, reducing Iraqis' confidence in the UN's oversight role.
Limited transparency in UN operations, and the absence of real accountability for those working in these programmes, have raised questions about the effectiveness of international oversight in combating corruption.
If international organizations are unable to provide a role model for transparency and integrity, how can corrupt Iraqi institutions be expected to achieve this?
Popular and religious censorship: a latent force that needs to be activated
The Iraqi people have a latent power that can change the equation, but this power is often muzzled or not activated as required.
Popular oversight, which is practiced through protests, demonstrations, and civil society participation, is considered one of the most important means of putting pressure on the government and institutions to combat corruption.
At the same time, religious institutions play a major role in shaping public opinion in Iraq.
However, some of these institutions may provide moral or legal cover for the corrupt, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
If the religious role is properly activated, it can be a driving force towards reform and change.
Proposed solutions: Either reform the system or form an anti-corruption coalition
Combating corruption in Iraq requires taking radical and decisive steps, so the proposed solutions can be divided into two stages:
Fix the system from within:
Current political leaders are required to adopt real reforms, far from rhetorical slogans and empty statements.
These reforms must include enhancing transparency and accountability in all state institutions, and ensuring the independence of the judiciary to be able to resolve major corruption-related cases without political interference.
Also, activating independent and effective parliamentary and judicial oversight is considered an imperative necessity to stop the flow of corruption.
The commitment of those in charge of the political process to reform is not an option, but rather a necessity for survival.
The continuation of corruption will ultimately lead to the collapse of the entire system, and
therefore the national interest requires taking radical measures to save what can be saved.
Forming an anti-corruption political coalition:
If the current leaders fail to reform the system from within, the alternative is to form an anti-corruption political coalition.
This coalition must include independent and honest political forces capable of presenting a new generation of politicians and administrators who are committed to the principles of transparency and integrity.
The new coalition must have a clear program aimed at restoring the people’s confidence in government institutions, and work closely with civil society organizations to educate citizens and motivate them to participate effectively in monitoring the government’s performance.
Supporting the coalition internationally is also a necessary step to strengthen its position and undertake the structural reforms required to eliminate corruption.
The international community, especially countries and organizations that have an interest in Iraq's stability, must realize that supporting the anti-corruption coalition is in everyone's interest, and enhances the chances of building a stable and transparent state.
conclusion
Ultimately, the battle against corruption in Iraq remains an existential battle that requires the combined efforts of all components of society.
Real reform will not be achieved unless there is a strong political will supported by enlightened popular awareness.
Iraq needs a real renaissance that begins with breaking the cycle of corruption, to provide a better future for future generations.
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August 22, 2024 Last updated: August 22, 2024
The Independent / Investigative Report / - Today, Iraq lives in the grip of deep-rooted corruption, similar to a multi-headed ogre that does not stop growing and expanding, seizing the country’s resources and obstructing development and progress efforts.
Despite efforts to combat this scourge, corruption continues to worsen, raising urgent questions about who bears responsibility for the continuation of this situation and where real solutions can be found.
Sudanese government censorship: efforts of questionable effectiveness
Since Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani assumed the position of Prime Minister, fighting corruption has been his government's top priority.
The Sudanese came to carry the banner of change and promise to achieve what previous governments could not do, but Iraq, which suffers from deep-rooted corruption, requires more than just promises and slogans.
The new government issued many directives, including a call for an immediate response to corruption reports and the implementation of judicial decisions within 24 hours, but these efforts, despite their apparent seriousness, are still subject to doubt.
The question that arises is: Is launching these initiatives enough to bring about radical change in a country where corruption is part of the power structure?
Al-Sudani may be right in his enthusiasm to fight corruption, but can he withstand the challenges of political pressure and internal collusion?
Corruption in Iraq is not just an individual case here or there; It is a complex system that benefits influential parties capable of aborting any attempt at reform.
Although Sudanese has begun to move stagnant waters through bold decisions, his success remains dependent on his ability to confront the whales of corruption that have deep networks within state institutions.
In light of these complications, can the Sudanese government fulfill its promises, or will it join the list of governments that made big promises but failed to fulfill them?
House Oversight: Poor performance and limited impact
is supposed to play The Iraqi Council of Representatives a central role in monitoring the government and holding those responsible for corruption accountable.
However, the reality reflects a clear weakness in the Council's performance, as it has often become part of the problem rather than part of the solution.
The political alliances that control the Council are often a stumbling block to activating its oversight role.
This manifests itself in delaying or disrupting parliamentary inquiries under partisan pressure or as a result of political bargaining.
This weakness in the supervisory role exacerbates the phenomenon of corruption and provides the corrupt with the opportunity to evade accountability.
The Council, which was supposed to be the guarantor of protecting the people’s rights and monitoring the performance of the executive authority, has become a tool in the hands of political alliances that prefer to preserve their own interests at the expense of the public interest.
In this context, the influence of narrow partisan interests that hinder the work of the Council cannot be ignored.
These interests prevent the activation of parliamentary oversight as required, and make it difficult to pass the necessary laws to combat corruption.
The result is that corruption files remain unresolved, without a radical solution, which weakens the people’s confidence in the House of Representatives and enhances the climate of impunity.
Judicial oversight: Weakness in resolving major cases
The judiciary in Iraq is considered the last stronghold that citizens must resort to in the face of corruption, but this fortress has also become breached.
The weakness of the judicial system in dealing with major corruption cases reflects a deeper problem of independence and political pressures affecting the administration of justice.
Many cases related to corruption remain stuck in the corridors of the judiciary, where trials are delayed and rulings are postponed due to political interference or pressure exerted by influential people.
This dynamic not only obstructs the course of justice, but also reinforces a culture of impunity.
Corrupt people in Iraq are well aware that the judiciary, which should be a strict watchdog, can be exploited by complicating legal procedures or using political connections to avoid accountability.
In this climate, corruption becomes an integral part of daily life, and citizens feel that the judicial system is powerless to protect them or preserve their rights.
Without real and comprehensive reform of the judicial system, corruption will continue to spread unchecked, and the Iraqi judiciary will continue to be seen as part of the problem rather than part of the solution.
The role of media and culture: between awareness and misinformation
The media in any society is the watchdog and the voice of the oppressed,
but in Iraq, the media is often part of a network of interests that fuels corruption rather than exposes it.
The Iraqi media has the ability to expose corruption and shed light on illegal practices,
but this role is often undermined by political and economic ties that limit its independence.
The media, which is supposed to be a platform for transparency, often turns into tools of misinformation. Manipulation of information, bias in coverage, and reliance on suspicious sources of funding are all factors that make the media unable to fulfill its role in the fight against corruption. Instead of being a means of educating the public and motivating them to hold them accountable, the media has become part of the system that protects the corrupt and closes the doors to any attempt at reform.
On the cultural side, Iraq faces great challenges in establishing the values of integrity and accountability. Public culture often tolerates corruption or considers it part of “realpolitik.”
The arts, education, and independent media are all tools that should be used to promote a culture that respects the law and promotes transparency.
Without a radical change in the cultural and media system, corruption will continue and the Iraqi people will remain hostage to a system that lacks integrity.
The American role: suspicious influence and intentional disregard?
The issue of corruption in Iraq cannot be addressed without referring to the role that the United States has played since its occupation of the country in 2003.
American policies in Iraq, especially with regard to reconstruction and the distribution of contracts, have contributed greatly to creating a fertile environment for corruption.
Many US-financed reconstruction contracts were not well thought out and were implemented without adequate oversight, resulting in billions of dollars being wasted.
This financial chaos not only contributed to rampant corruption, but also helped build networks of corrupt people who still maintain their influence inside Iraq.
Although US forces have largely withdrawn, American influence remains strong in Iraq.
There are accusations that the United States turns a blind eye to some corruption files in order to preserve its strategic interests.
These policies, whether the result of negligence or design, have contributed to the deepening of the corruption crisis in Iraq, making it difficult for any Iraqi government to achieve real progress in combating this phenomenon.
The role of the United Nations: international oversight and its limited impact
The United Nations, which is supposed to be a neutral international body that contributes to enhancing transparency and supporting the rule of law, was not immune from criticism in Iraq.
Some UN-run aid programs have faced accusations of corruption or mismanagement, reducing Iraqis' confidence in the UN's oversight role.
Limited transparency in UN operations, and the absence of real accountability for those working in these programmes, have raised questions about the effectiveness of international oversight in combating corruption.
If international organizations are unable to provide a role model for transparency and integrity, how can corrupt Iraqi institutions be expected to achieve this?
Popular and religious censorship: a latent force that needs to be activated
The Iraqi people have a latent power that can change the equation, but this power is often muzzled or not activated as required.
Popular oversight, which is practiced through protests, demonstrations, and civil society participation, is considered one of the most important means of putting pressure on the government and institutions to combat corruption.
At the same time, religious institutions play a major role in shaping public opinion in Iraq.
However, some of these institutions may provide moral or legal cover for the corrupt, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
If the religious role is properly activated, it can be a driving force towards reform and change.
Proposed solutions: Either reform the system or form an anti-corruption coalition
Combating corruption in Iraq requires taking radical and decisive steps, so the proposed solutions can be divided into two stages:
Fix the system from within:
Current political leaders are required to adopt real reforms, far from rhetorical slogans and empty statements.
These reforms must include enhancing transparency and accountability in all state institutions, and ensuring the independence of the judiciary to be able to resolve major corruption-related cases without political interference.
Also, activating independent and effective parliamentary and judicial oversight is considered an imperative necessity to stop the flow of corruption.
The commitment of those in charge of the political process to reform is not an option, but rather a necessity for survival.
The continuation of corruption will ultimately lead to the collapse of the entire system, and
therefore the national interest requires taking radical measures to save what can be saved.
Forming an anti-corruption political coalition:
If the current leaders fail to reform the system from within, the alternative is to form an anti-corruption political coalition.
This coalition must include independent and honest political forces capable of presenting a new generation of politicians and administrators who are committed to the principles of transparency and integrity.
The new coalition must have a clear program aimed at restoring the people’s confidence in government institutions, and work closely with civil society organizations to educate citizens and motivate them to participate effectively in monitoring the government’s performance.
Supporting the coalition internationally is also a necessary step to strengthen its position and undertake the structural reforms required to eliminate corruption.
The international community, especially countries and organizations that have an interest in Iraq's stability, must realize that supporting the anti-corruption coalition is in everyone's interest, and enhances the chances of building a stable and transparent state.
conclusion
Ultimately, the battle against corruption in Iraq remains an existential battle that requires the combined efforts of all components of society.
Real reform will not be achieved unless there is a strong political will supported by enlightened popular awareness.
Iraq needs a real renaissance that begins with breaking the cycle of corruption, to provide a better future for future generations.
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