Despite government efforts, corruption still threatens Iraqis
Efforts to crack down on corruption in Iraq have resulted in improvement but much remains to be done, especially among forces tasked with protecting the population.
BAGHDAD — Corruption remains rampant in Iraq despite some improvement in recent years. Procedures and practices within the security forces seem to be fostering this, raising additional concerns after recent high-profile cases, attempted cover-ups and a jailbreak across the border.
In Transparency International’s 2021 Corruption Perception Index published in January, the country gained two points compared with the previous year and is now considered at the same level as Zimbabwe, Cambodia and Honduras regarding perceived levels of public sector corruption.
According to the US Department of Defense Inspector General report covering the fourth quarter of 2021, the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) “continued to face what USCENTCOM characterized as ‘daunting challenges from rampant corruption at every level.’"
The report said this corruption included “pay-to-play schemes, nepotism, bribery, pursuing personal vendettas, and infighting within and among services and ministries.”
