An article in today's NYT highlights the theft, bribery, and corruption present in Iraq. The article cites car wash businesses that siphon water illegally from public pipes and medicine stolen from the Ministry of Health now being sold on the black market as a few examples. These may seem trivial, but this illegal activity has huge implications in tring to end the violence in Iraq. When you think about what is really in demand in Iraq right now, you might list items like clothes, food, electrricity, and clean water. But, since the sectarian conflict is still raging, weapons are in high demand. The black market is where most of these weapons can eb obtained, and where the money to pay for them can also be found. From the article:
"Some American officials estimate that as much as a third of what they spend on Iraqi contracts and grants ends up unaccounted for or stolen, with a portion going to Shiite or Sunni militias."
Corruption, black markets, and war profiteers may contribute as much to the prolongation of a conflict as religion, ethnicity, or instability.
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