MARSEILLE, FRANCE // The French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, seems unlikely to suffer further weakening of his domestic appeal as a result of the embarrassing disclosure he called the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, a "liar" in private conversation with the US president, Barack Obama.
Mr Sarkozy may be struggling in pre-campaign skirmishes five months ahead of the 2012 presidential elections but early reaction in France to his incautious words in the ear of Mr Obama have ranged from indignation at the website that made them public to blunt recognition of France's differences with Israel.
Alain Juppé, the French foreign minister, declared yesterday that publication of the private exchanges amounted to an "act of hacking".
According to the website Arret Sur Images, Mr Sarkozy was overheard telling Mr Obama that "Netanyahu, I can't stand him. He's a liar".
He was speaking on the margins of last week's summit of the Group of 20 economic powers in Cannes, France.
Mr Obama was said to have replied: "You are sick of him, but I have to work with him every day."
Mr Juppé said on RFI radio he would not comment on the reported conversation. But asked if Mr Netanyahu was difficult to deal with on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, he said: "He defends his vision, which is not ours because we are now at an impasse."
France's daily newspaper, Le Parisien, reported that Mr Netanyahu was not the only statesman to face flak when Mr Sarkozy talked to the US president.
The paper said the two leaders agreed that George Papandreou, the Greek prime minister, had made a huge mistake in calling a referendum on the bailout plan.
According to Le Parisien, Mr Sarkozy described Greece's leader as "mad" and "depressive" but said there was no point confronting him because he was already "on the ground … knockout".
The generally anti-Sarkozy newspaper Libération seemed to sympathise with the president, pointing out that while Mr Netanyahu may win support in Israel for securing the release of the soldier Gilad Shalit and his firm stance on Iran's nuclear programme, he had "a less flattering reputation on the international stage".
"With a 52 per cent approval rating, his popularity has never been so high," the paper reported. "Abroad, however, his image is more negative."
Libération reminded readers that even in public, European leaders are hardly competing with one another to heap praise on the Israeli premier. In 2010, the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, accused Mr Netanyahu of doing nothing to advance the peace process since taking office.
There has been no formal comment from the Elysée.
One official was quoted as testily brushing aside questions with the assertion that "a lot of nonsense" circulated on the internet.
Public comments in the Israeli media were mixed, while in Washington, the White House declined to comment on the remarks.
A spokesman for Aipac, the leading pro-Israel lobby, also declined to comment on the issue.
But another leading Jewish-American organisation, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a statement in which they expressed their disappointment at the gaffe.
Abraham H Foxman, the ADL national director, said: "What is sad is that we have to worry to what extent these private views inform foreign policy decisions of the US and France - two singularly important players in the peace process."
Geoffrey Aronson, the director of research at the Foundation for Middle East Peace, a Washington think tank, said the ADL was trying to get Mr Obama "to reaffirm his support for Israel in a manner in which suits their interest".
Others doubted the exchange was a surprise in Washington.
Asked about the relevance on future US-Israel relations, Mark Perry, a Washington-based analyst, said: "This is confirmation of what we've known for a long time - relations between the United States and Israel are strained.
"It's not that Obama's relationship with Netanyahu is strained, it's that Israeli policies have strained relations with the US."
foreign.desk@thenational.ae
* Michael Hernandez contributed to this report from Washington.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
England v South Africa schedule:
- First Test: At Lord's, England won by 219 runs
- Second Test: July 14-18, Trent Bridge, Nottingham, 2pm
- Third Test: The Oval, London, July 27-31, 2pm
- Fourth Test: Old Trafford, Manchester, August 4-8
Cricket World Cup League Two
Teams
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Namibia beat Oman by 52 runs
UAE beat Namibia by eight wickets
Fixtures
Saturday January 11 - UAE v Oman
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Details
Kabir Singh
Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series
Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa
Rating: 2.5/5
'Joker'
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix
Rating: Five out of five stars
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Results
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How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
More coverage from the Future Forum
Thanksgiving meals to try
World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.
Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.
The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.
Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Results
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m. Winner: Rio Angie, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,600m. Winner: Trenchard, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m. Winner: Mulfit, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
8.15pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 1,200m. Winner: Waady, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.
8.50pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 2,000m. Winner: Tried And True, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
9.25pm:Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m. Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
