Combating Corruption: How the Rule of Law Can Defeat a Culture of Impunity in Afghanistan
Abstract
While Afghanistan faces numerous challenges, this paper asserts that the fight against corruption is of paramount concern, an endemic problem which can only be remedied by establishing the rule of law throughout the country. If left unchecked, corruption will continue to prey upon Afghan citizens, weakening their support of the central government while squandering billions of dollars in reconstruction efforts. To counter a growing culture of impunity which impedes our counterinsurgency mission and undermines the central government, United States, multinational, and Afghan leaders must work together to create a fair, accessible, and sustainable judicial system which holds public officials accountable for their behavior while introducing effective processes to peacefully resolve disputes. America's new rule of law strategy realistically seeks to promote anti-corruption measures through increased investment, training, and mentorship in Afghanistan's formal justice sector, while creating greater linkages with traditional, culturally-accepted methods of resolving disputes. With this approach, Coalition-Afghan partners can create a justice system that respects traditional Afghan values while also introducing greater human rights protections for women and minority ethnic groups. Despite previous resistance to nation-building, establishing the rule of law is a key end state for creating a more peaceful, legitimate, and self-sustaining Afghanistan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- AD1020229
Entities
People
- Ryan D. Oakley
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College