MONEY TRAIL TO KABUL October 25, 2010
Posted by wmmbb in CENTRAL ASIA.trackback
Now this sort of deal never happened in Vietnam. It used to be that the Americans were the ones to buy influence, now others are getting into the act.
If the practice continues, President Karzai will cease to be a puppet and become a honourable politician answering to the highest bidder. Of course it can be be a surprise that Iran is supporting the Northern Alliance in the Afghan civil war since they are more likely to support the Dari speakers than the Pashtuns.
The Independent reports from AP that Karzai has admitted receiving money from Tehran. According to the report:
He said that once or twice a year Iran gave up to 975,000 dollars (£620,000) for official presidential expenses.
He says the US knew about the Iranian assistance for years and that Washington also gives the palace “bags of money.”
Mr Karzai’s comments were in response to a The New York Times report yesterday that Iran was giving cash to the Afghan president’s chief of staff, Umar Daudzai, to buy his loyalty and promote Iranian interests in Afghanistan.
The newspaper quoted unnamed sources saying the money had been used to pay Afghan politicians, tribal elders – even Taliban commanders.
Mr Karzai said several nations give his office money because it lacks revenue.
The government obviously is not getting its cut of the opium trade, and furthermore why limit your source of income when dual income streams are on offer. There is a comedic aspect to all of this, not least the shock of The New York Times. Perhaps they are serious.
The killing continues and that is not funny.
ELSEWHERE:
Juan Cole has more on this extraordinary story.
Robert Scheer at Truthdig provides the more extended review of what President Karzai and on this account he comes out looking better, but perhaps his days are now numbered – the price of a patriot.
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