How to Hold Karzai Accountable?

How to hold the Afghan government accountable for corruption, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) asked, particularly if the United States is really promising, a priori, a long-term partnership with Afghanstan?

“It’s going to be a long-term challenge to end corruption in Afghanistan,” Deputy Secretary Jack Lew said. “We have to see where our money is going, and if it’s not going to the right place, we move our money to other channels.” Constant audits.

At the highest levels, though?

Lew praised Afghan President Hamid Karzai. “But if there’s backtracking?” Lew: “Holding them accountable does not mean in five years from now … there won’t be corruption.” Hopefully there will be “indictments,” he continued, but said it’s just a long-term process.