Across Asia: Afghanistan

Anti-graft unit launched

Afghan officials launched a new anti-corruption unit and crime-fighting force yesterday amid stiff international pressure to clean up the government following a fraud-tainted presidential election.

The Afghan government has been dogged by corruption for years and this is the third formal launch of a unit promising to rein in rampant graft and bribery. But Afghan government officials told reporters this attempt has a better chance because of a real desire to succeed and strong international backing.