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Yemen Not the Most Corrupt
  Written By:  Hakim Almasmari ( Editor-in-Chief)
  Article Date:
August 04
, 2008 

 

 

This week, I visited a number of countries including Azerbaijan. Over the past five years, I have believed that Yemen is one the most corrupt countries in the world and international studies prove that case. However, during my trip, I saw different kind of corruption, of which makes Yemen look good.

Continuously and in the open, bribes were given to police in front of everyone, not fearing shame or disgrace of taking it. Yes, we do have bribes in Yemen, but people still feel that it is wrong even though they accept it. However, over there, they take it as if it is their right, and more surprisingly, people do not consider it shame as in the case of Yemen.

Also, to my surprise when I was entering the country through immigration, the police in charge of the section would allow every good looking female in the gate without questioning, as if they were not allowed to question them. This happened with almost every good-looking female, which I estimate could reach to 20 in number. Soon after they do that, the female would give the police officer her number and walk on home. Don’t get me wrong, I still believe that Yemen is a hub for corruption, but what I am trying to say is that there are even worse countries than Yemen, which in result makes change possible in Yemen. At least here, it is still considered shame and happens under the table. Things will change in Yemen, it just needs time.