France is having a Nawaz moment; of sorts. For state organs have moved to officially probe one of their own. Nicolas Sarkozy was president of la République from 2007-2012. Today, he stands accused of passive corruption. For ostensibly allowing the late Col Gaddafi to buy him the keys to the Elysée Palace; all for the cool tune of up to $62 million, according media reports. This has led to additional charges of illegal campaign financing as well as the misappropriation of Libyan public funds.
Living up to his nickname, Speedy Sarkozy — the former head of state took to national television to appeal to the court of French public opinion less than 24 hours after charges were made. The allegations, he claims, are the work of a vengeful Gaddafi clan who have never forgiven him for spearheading the military aggression that toppled the regime. Meaning that it is not just here in Pakistan where the stoned and dethroned showcase a causal disregard for notions of due and fair process.
Be that as it may, this is good news for the Libyan people. Indeed, the current political leadership has noted that France — by probing such a relatively old case — is demonstrating the democratic credentials that all those rejecting dictatorship wish to enjoy. Though the rub will likely come, in the event that Sarkozy is put on trial and is convicted, when it comes to the question of compensating those who had effectively been robbed.
All of which raises question marks over the role of the other usual suspects in Middle East looting sprees: namely, the US and its terrible-twin-sidekick, the UK. Particularly when it comes to Iraq. For the profiteering that was conducted by the private sector on the basis of an illegal and unjust war of aggression is beyond mind-boggling. According to an analysis conducted by Britain’s Financial Times covering the 2003-2013 period — American company Kellogg Brown and Root (a former subsidiary of Halliburton; the latter having links to the then US vice president) alone raked in at least $39.5 billion in federal contracts relating to the reconstruction effort over that decade. Yet, figures aside, this has to represent the biggest indirect plundering of any national exchequer in contemporary times; even if plans to privatise Iraqi oil fields ultimately faltered.
But as least France is taking a first step towards delivering justice to those to whom it did a great disservice. Yet from where ordinary Libyans stand, this is likely not enough. Not given where they are today. Which is living among the rubble of a decimated nation that may or may not see the son of the brutal military dictator, whom Sarkozy takes credit for doing away with, make an electoral power grab. So, yes, it is only right that the former French president face at least some of the very loud music. Even better, of course, would be for Bush and Blair to be put on trial for Iraq. But, seemingly, that is not how the cookie will ever crumble. More is the pity. *
Published in Daily Times, March 25th 2018.