Bribes Corrode Afghans’ Trust in Government

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"This government has lost the capacity to govern because a shadow government has taken over. The narco-mafia state is now completely consolidated."
ASHRAF GHANI, a former Afghan finance minister, on corruption there.

KABUL, Afghanistan — When it comes to governing this violent, fractious land, everything, it seems, has its price.

Want to be a provincial police chief? It will cost you $100,000.

Want to drive a convoy of trucks loaded with fuel across the country? Be prepared to pay $6,000 per truck, so the police will not tip off the Taliban.

Need to settle a lawsuit over the ownership of your house? About $25,000, depending on the judge.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/02/world/asia/02kabul.html?_r=1&th&emc=th