Friday, March 16, 2007

corruption & the kabul airport


Corruption by another name = Bakshish A.K.A.Chai

Could the Director General of GIACC Afghan Government arm for Anti Corruption please come to the foreigners aid at Kabul Airport?

Being a foreigner traveling out of Kabul is a sheer nightmare. From the security checks to the last check before the lounge one has to contend to all manner of bakshish advancesfrom uniformed customs and regular police officers.

I had to forcefully part with 40 dollars worth of bakshish before being allowed to take my flight to Dubai on 28th March 2007.

Could someone please help in curbing the corruption?

Puh-leeze. It's bad for everyone. Y'all bribe and get better treatment. We bribe and get...crappier treatment. I hate the Kabul Airport. He or She should've thrown a hissy fit.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Indeed... I am imagining an airport full of adults mimicking a 2-year old's tantrum - feet up, yelling - what a scene that would make!

Bollywood recently (last year) did a very popular film on the masses fighting back "politely" against corruption, bad behavior, etc. It is the 3rd in the Munna Bhai series. I don't remember the subtitle, but look up Munna Bhai and look for the one that came out last year.

Kristin Ohlson said...

I do hate hate hate the Kabul airport-- in fact, when people ask me if I'm scared to be in Afghanistan I have to tell them that the only thing that really bothered me was the airport.

But I'm going back May 24-- pretty sure about that!

Frida World said...

Hmmm, this person claims to have "forceably" parted with US$40? I have been known on occasion to give the lady who searches my bags a hair tie or a cheap lip gloss, and I pay the guys who carry my bags for me 100-200afs depending on how heavy my bags are and that's it. Am I the only one to find the US$40 a bit outrageous?

Anonymous said...

C: I would love to see that movie, I'll check out Munna Bhai and update

K: Girl, you and me both. It makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it. Maybe we can meet up? I hope to be in Kabul by then (Inshallah Inshallah!)

F: I can believe it - they're getting pretty aggressive these days.

Kristin Ohlson said...

I'd love to meet up with you in Kabul!

And Frida, I'm already thinking about what I'll carry in my purse to give the pat-down ladies at the airport.

Unknown said...

I agree with Frida %100, even though I don't know her and have never spoken to her. People giving out large amounts like that ruin it for EVERYBODY. The problem isn't the amount, its the fact that people are willing to pay anything at all for services that people receive their salaries for. To Whoever paid that 40 bucks: You did it for your own peice of mind, nothing else. Show some resolve or quit your bitching.

homeinkabul said...

I haven't bribed anyone but I think it's b/c I don't quite know how. I do think $40 is excessive but I think that a person can easily get overwhelmed and frightened in Kabul airport. That and the fear of missing the plane...I can see it.