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Can Iraqi government control corruption at border outlets?

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's government has set its sights on controlling corruption that could ease the impact of the financial crisis in the country, while prioritizing the border outlets.
A member of the Iraqi forces stands guard on the Iraqi side of the Mandili crossing on the border with Iran on July 11, 2020. - Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi launched a new campaign against corruption at the country's borders, saying millions of dollars were being lost by not properly taxing imported goods. (Photo by Thaier Al-SUDANI / POOL / AFP) (Photo by THAIER AL-SUDANI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhmi's spokesman Ahmad Mulla Talal said that the government is determined to take resolute actions to end corruption at the border outlets. In a press conference June 30, Mulla Talal said, “Pretty soon the government will take resolute action under the prime minister’s direct supervision to establish state control over the border outlets, which the beneficiaries and corruption mafias have tainted,” without naming any.

Soon after, Kadhimi has started a campaign to impose full government control on the borders outlets. The campaign has started on July 11, when Kadhimi visited Diyala province. He reopened Mandalay border outlet with Iran and ordered the Rapid Response Forces to take control of the border and stop any illegal actions there. 

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