Corruption 'more dangerous than terrorism': Iraqi PM

By Ibrahim Saleh

BAGHDAD (AA) - Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Wednesday warned of the consequences of unchecked government corruption, describing the latter as “more dangerous than terrorism”.

Speaking at a conference devoted to co-existence among the people of Iraq’s multi-ethnic Nineveh province, al-Abadi said: “Corruption poses a greater danger than terrorism because it often goes unseen.”

Vowing to “systematically” eradicate the phenomenon, he promised the public: “You’ll see the results".

According to Transparency International, Iraq ranks among the world's worst countries in terms of government corruption.

The Iraqi public frequently complains about inadequate public services, including electricity, drinking water and healthcare -- even though Baghdad earns tens of billions of dollars a year in oil revenues.

Iraq recently fought a three-year war with the Daesh terrorist group, which was decisively defeated last year after overrunning much of the country in 2014.