Former French president Sarkozy stripped of Legion of Honor medal
Former president Nicolas Sarkozy has been stripped of his Legion of Honour, France's highest distinction, after being convicted of corruption and influence peddling last year, according to a decree published in Sunday's Official Bulletin.
The centre-right politician has been embroiled in legal battles since leaving office in 2012.
Last year, France's highest court upheld his conviction for corruption and influence peddling, ordering him to wear an electronic tag for a year, a first for a former French head of state.
Also last year, an appeals court confirmed a separate conviction for illegal campaign financing in his failed re-election bid in 2012.
The rules of the Legion of Honor award meant that the revocation had been expected.
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Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
A Saudi perspective on security, diplomacy and human dignity
As a Saudi national, I view the Middle East's complex challenges through the lens of my country's commitment to regional stability, Islamic values and Vision 2030's aspirations for sustainable development. The new escalation between Israel and Iran, marked by Israeli airstrikes authorized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach to security, diplomacy and human dignity. These strikes, ostensibly aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions, risk plunging the region into broader conflict, potentially involving global powers like the US. From a Saudi perspective, fostering sustainable peace requires de-escalation, inclusive dialogue and addressing the root causes of conflict, such as economic disparity and political marginalization. Israel's airstrikes on Iran, justified as a response to Iran's nuclear program reaching 60 percent uranium enrichment, have heightened regional tensions. However, the timing, amid Netanyahu's domestic political struggles and waning support for military operations in Gaza, suggests ulterior motives. Critics argue that these actions may serve to bolster Netanyahu's position, deflecting attention from his legal and political challenges. As a Saudi observer, I see this as a risky gambit that could accelerate Iran's nuclear ambitions rather than deter them, threatening the entire region's stability. Saudi Arabia, alongside other Gulf Cooperation Council nations, has condemned these airstrikes as a violation of Iran's sovereignty and international law. This stance reflects our commitment to regional stability and opposition to actions that undermine mutual respect among nations. The Kingdom's condemnation is not merely rhetorical; it signals a broader call for de-escalation and dialogue to prevent a wider conflict that could destabilize the Middle East and impact global energy markets, a critical concern for Saudi Arabia. Western policies, particularly those of the US, have often prioritized geopolitical dominance over sustainable peacebuilding. The US-Israel relationship, shaped partly by the influential Israel lobby, as described by scholars John Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt, has aligned American foreign policy with Israel's immediate security concerns. While this partnership has strengthened bilateral ties, it has sometimes overlooked the long-term consequences for regional stability. The US-led invasion of Iraq, for instance, destabilized the region, weakened Arab states and fueled populism and extremism challenges that persist today. From a Saudi perspective, the fragility of many Arab states, compounded by ineffective leadership and rising nationalism, underscores the need for a strategic pivot. The US cannot sustain flawed policies indefinitely, as the human and economic costs of interventions like Iraq demonstrate. Saudi Arabia welcomes recent US restraint, with figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing that American priorities lie in protecting its forces rather than endorsing Israel's strikes on Iran. This shift opens space for diplomacy, which Saudi Arabia is well positioned to champion. Saudi Arabia holds a unique position in the Middle East, rooted in its religious significance as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and its foreign policy being aimed at fostering stability. The Kingdom's Vision 2030 emphasizes sustainable development and economic diversification, aligning with the broader goal of regional cooperation. In the context of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, Saudi Arabia has advocated for the Arab Peace Initiative, which offers normalization with Israel in exchange for a two-state solution. This framework reflects our commitment to balancing security with justice and addressing Palestinian aspirations, while fostering regional collaboration. Two peace frameworks merit consideration: the two-state solution and the two-return solution. The two-state solution envisions an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, promoting mutual recognition and security cooperation. The two-return solution, meanwhile, addresses historical grievances by proposing compensation and recognition of both Palestinian and Jewish narratives to facilitate reconciliation. Fostering sustainable peace requires de-escalation, inclusive dialogue and addressing the root causes of conflict. Dr. Turki Faisal Al-Rasheed Both approaches face challenges from Israeli settlement expansion, Palestinian governance fragmentation and skepticism about Israel's commitment to peace, but Saudi Arabia's mediation can bridge divides. By promoting adherence to international law and partnering with global stakeholders, the Kingdom can advance a comprehensive approach that integrates humanitarian and economic considerations. Israel's current policies under Netanyahu, including its operations in Gaza and efforts to neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities, prioritize immediate security but risk long-term consequences. The pursuit of 'total victory' in Gaza and aggressive posturing toward Iran may isolate Israel diplomatically, strain its alliances and impact US interests and Jewish communities worldwide. From a Saudi perspective, sustainable security for Israel and the region requires integrating robust defense with diplomacy that tackles conflict drivers like economic inequality and political marginalization. Netanyahu's actions, driven partly by domestic pressures, risk dragging the region into chaos. As a Saudi national, I join global voices opposing leaders who exploit fear to justify escalation. The Kingdom's condemnation of Israel's airstrikes on Iran reflects our broader stance against unilateral actions that undermine sovereignty and stability. 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Saudi Arabia and other Arab states hold strategic leverage to counter foreign interference and extremist threats, aligning with a shared vision of stability and prosperity. The Middle East's future remains uncertain, with the Israel-Iran conflict of 2025 raising more questions than answers. The efficacy of Israel's military actions, the potential for US-Iran negotiations and the political fallout in both nations are yet to be fully understood. What is clear, however, is the need for all stakeholders — Western governments, Israel, Arab states and the international community — to prioritize human dignity and de-escalation. Saudi Arabia's leadership, grounded in its religious and geopolitical influence, seeks to foster dialogue, promote equitable development and reduce external interference. By advocating for frameworks like the Arab Peace Initiative and supporting inclusive peace processes, the Kingdom can help pave the way for a stable and prosperous Middle East. Sustainable peace demands not only strategic restraint but also a shared commitment to cooperation, mutual prosperity and respect for all communities. In conclusion, as a Saudi national, I believe that fostering sustainable peace in the Middle East requires moving beyond military escalation to embrace diplomacy and human dignity. The Kingdom's role as a mediator, coupled with its vision for regional stability, offers hope for a future where dialogue triumphs over conflict and cooperation replaces division. The path forward is challenging, but with collective resolve we can build a Middle East defined by peace and prosperity for all.
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Asharq Al-Awsat
4 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Macron Visits Greenland to Show European Solidarity After Trump Annexation Threats
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday he was visiting Greenland to show French and European Union solidarity with the Arctic island after US President Donald Trump's threats to take it over. Asked about those threats as he arrived in Greenland, Macron said: "I don't think that's what allies do ... it's important that Denmark and the Europeans commit themselves to this territory, which has very high strategic stakes and whose territorial integrity must be respected." Greenland is a self-governing part of Denmark with the right to declare independence. Both the Greenland and Danish governments say it is not for sale and only Greenlanders can determine their future. Trump has said he wants the United States to take over the mineral-rich, strategically located Arctic island, and has not ruled out force. His vice president, JD Vance, visited a US military base there in March. Macron, the first foreign leader to visit Greenland since Trump's explicit threats to "get" the island, was invited by the prime ministers of Greenland and Denmark. He has said his visit is meant to prevent any "preying" on the territory. "France has stood by us since the first statements about taking our land emerged. This support is both necessary and gratifying," Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen wrote on Facebook days ahead of Macron's visit. "I'm not worried that he (Trump) will be furious. It should be seen as us wanting to create more development in Greenland," Nielsen told Danish broadcaster DR on Sunday when asked if he believed Macron's visit would upset the US president. Asked if Macron would deliver an explicit message to the United States during his visit, an adviser to the French president told reporters: "The trip is a signal in itself," without mentioning Trump. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told RTL radio on Sunday: "Greenland is a European territory and it is normal that Europe, and notably France, show their interest." According to an IFOP poll for published on Saturday, 77% of French people and 56% of Americans disapprove of an annexation of Greenland by the US and 43% of the French would back using French military power to prevent a US invasion. Macron will visit the capital, Nuuk, as well as a hydropower station funded by the EU and a glacier, and discuss Arctic security and climate change with his hosts. Though Denmark is an EU member, Greenland is outside the bloc. The French adviser said the visit would be an opportunity to discuss how to give Greenland's association partnership with the EU a "new dimension". Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen made several visits to Paris after Trump's threats to seek French and European backing, and has placed orders for French-made surface-to-air missiles, in a shift of focus for Copenhagen. Enlisting the EU's only nuclear power is a way for Denmark, long one of Washington's most loyal allies in Europe, to project a form of hard power towards a suddenly more aggressive United States, said Florian Vidal of the Paris-based IFRI think tank. "The Trump administration's more aggressive posture is a shock that makes the French vision of Europe, one that is more autonomous, appear more reasonable for Denmark," he said. "From a Nordic point of view, France is a military power that counts." "I think the US president is serious. It's a difficult situation we're in. That's why it's really important that the French president comes, because it helps to emphasize the necessary European unity in this situation," Frederiksen told DR on Sunday.
