How Jordan Brought Its Economic Woes on Itself

How Jordan Brought Its Economic Woes on Itself

As protests continue in Jordan, the kingdom has put the blame for the economy’s lacklustre performance and controversial tax reforms on IMF-backed austerity measures and a drop in foreign aid. But in reality, say analysts, the economy has been badly managed for decades, while significant amounts of government spending remain undisclosed. ‘The problems were there…

Top Ten Signs the US is the Most Corrupt Nation in the World (2018 Edn.)

Top Ten Signs the US is the Most Corrupt Nation in the World (2018 Edn.)

Those ratings that castigate Afghanistan and some other poor countries as hopelessly “corrupt” always imply that the United States is not corrupt. This year’s report from Transparency International puts the US on a par with Austria, which is ridiculous. All kinds of people from politicians to businessmen would go to jail in Austria today if…

Is It Really True That Switzerland is the #1 Most-Corrupt Nation, & U.S. #2?

Is It Really True That Switzerland is the #1 Most-Corrupt Nation, & U.S. #2?

The Tax Justice Network produces a Financial Secrecy Index, ranking countries for the assistance their legal systems provide, to money-launderers, and to all people who seek to protect corruptly-obtained wealth. The higher the score, the more corrupt the government is. The last time this Index was published, in 2015, Switzerland was rated the world’s most-corrupt…