by Omar Habeeb Abdul Razzaq
As an Iraqi political activist who spent years fighting corruption and supporting youth who demand justice and transparency, I’ve realized that corruption isn’t just a crime committed by a few individuals, but a malignant disease that eats into the state’s body and destroys the hopes of coming generations. Corruption doesn’t just steal public money, but also steals trust, hope, and the future.
My experience as an Iraqi politician in various state institutions taught me that corruption has multiple faces. There’s financial corruption represented in stealing public money, bribery, and embezzlement. There’s administrative corruption represented in favoritism, nepotism, and appointing unqualified people. And there’s political corruption represented in exploiting position to achieve personal or partisan gains.
Iraqi youth, whom I consider myself a defender of their rights and aspirations, are the most affected by corruption. When education money is stolen, youth are deprived of good education. When health money is stolen, they’re deprived of appropriate healthcare. When infrastructure money is stolen, they’re deprived of basic services.
Fighting corruption requires a comprehensive strategy that starts with prevention and ends with accountability. Prevention is better than cure, and building strong and transparent systems is more important than pursuing the corrupt after the crime occurs. This doesn’t mean neglecting accountability, but means focusing on preventing corruption before it happens.
Transparency is the strongest weapon in facing corruption. When information is available to everyone, when decisions are clear and justified, when processes are exposed and monitored, it becomes difficult for the corrupt to practice their corruption. Transparency creates an environment that doesn’t tolerate corruption.
Strict and clear laws are necessary to fight corruption. But laws alone aren’t enough if they’re not applied with justice and firmness. As a political activist who believes in rule of law, I see that applying law to everyone without exception is the foundation of fighting corruption.
Independent and effective oversight is a basic part of the anti-corruption system. Oversight bodies must be independent from executive power and have sufficient authorities for investigation and accountability. These bodies must be qualified, trained, and protected from political interference.
Technology can play an important role in fighting corruption. Digital systems reduce human intervention, increase transparency, and facilitate monitoring. E-government isn’t just a means to improve services, but also a powerful tool to fight corruption.
Education and awareness are important in building a culture of resisting corruption. Citizens must know their rights and duties, understand corruption’s harm to society, and learn how to resist corruption and report it. This education must start from school and continue in university and workplace.
Free and independent media is a basic partner in fighting corruption. Media exposes corruption, exposes the corrupt, and pressures officials for accountability. But media needs legal and political protection to be able to perform its role effectively.
Civil society has an important role in fighting corruption. Civil society organizations monitor government performance, expose corruption, and pressure for reform. These organizations must receive necessary support and protection to perform their role.
Iraqi youth, who led October 2019 protests against corruption and favoritism, must be at the forefront of anti-corruption efforts. Youth have the energy, enthusiasm, and technological knowledge this battle needs. But they need support and backing from all segments of society.
International cooperation is important in fighting corruption, especially in recovering stolen money deposited in foreign banks. Iraq needs to strengthen its cooperation with international organizations and other countries in this field.
Political will is the decisive factor in the success of fighting corruption. Without real political will from the highest levels, anti-corruption efforts will remain limited and ineffective. Political leadership must be a model in integrity and transparency.
As a political activist and corruption fighter in Iraq, I believe that the battle against corruption is an existential battle for Iraq and its future. This battle needs everyone’s participation: government, parliament, judiciary, media, civil society, and ordinary citizens.
Victory in this battle isn’t impossible. Many countries succeeded in eliminating corruption or reducing it significantly. But this success requires strong will, long patience, and continuous work. The road is long and difficult, but the result is worth all the effort.
Iraq’s future and its coming generations depend on our success in this battle. Every dinar we protect from theft is an investment in our children’s future. Every corrupt person we hold accountable is a step toward building the state of justice and law we all dream of.