Q&A: Omar al-Waili, director of the Iraqi Border Ports Commission

BAGHDAD - One of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's signature initiatives has been a campaign to reduce corruption and reinforce government authority at the country's border ports.

The effort could have wide-ranging consequences. If the state can come close to securing all of the customs revenue generated from Iraqi imports, it would not only help address a dire financial crisis but also deprive armed groups and criminal gangs of a major source of funding and power.