On October 27, 2009, The Asia Foundation released findings from its fifth public opinion poll in Afghanistan, Afghanistan in 2009: A Survey of the Afghan People. Read more here.
High Office of Oversight for Anti-Corruption
Afghanistan ranks as one of the most corrupt places in the world, and baksheesh—or bribery—is an accepted way of doing business. We provide technical assistance, training, and recruitment strategies to The High Office of Oversight for Anti-Corruption, a new, courageous, determined countercorruption unit. After its establishment in 2008, the Office quickly launched a high-profile, provocative, and well-received multimedia public awareness campaign: television and radio spots, and an interactive website where citizens are encouraged to post information about corrupt activities and list names. At the end of last year, to maximize efforts, and to galvanize Afghan citizens, the Office created a corruption complaints hotline and then pushed several high profile ministers to register and declare their financial assets via a live television broadcast. Issues that affect millions daily are also being addressed—and systematically solved. For example, car registration, which can require nearly 50 bribes and take up to six months, is now a three-step process that takes just a few days and all fees are deposited to local banks, not to governmental officials.