Erik Strand, 15.07.2026
After the demise of US senator Lindsey Graham, many people have spoken about the dark sides of the deceased senator, while others have praised him.
In this commentary, Pål Steigan comments upon what he calls the moral bancruptsy of the Norwegian political leadership, examplified by how some leading Norwegian politician have praised Graham after his death. Steigan describes Graham as follows:
“US Senator Lindsay Graham, who died on July 11, will be remembered as one of the worst American imperialists of recent times, a ruthless politician who shunned no means in expanding the American empire. Graham supported all illegal wars, regime change operations, assassinations and sanctions to starve the civilian population of “enemy states”. He was an uncompromising defender of Israel’s genocide in Palestine, and actively helped to carry it out. In the months before his death alone, the senator had argued strongly for illegal, military attacks on Iran, Cuba, Venezuela, Yemen, Nigeria, Lebanon and Palestine.”
If one does not want to speak ill of a politician like Lindsey Graham after his death, one has the option of not saying anything, at least when one is not asked to say something, showing respect to the victims of his politics.
Now over to the examples, all of them Labour Party politicians.
Jens Stoltenberg is Norway’s Finance Minister and former Prime Minister. He says that he is
“deeply saddened by the passing of my friend Lindsey Graham. He will be remembered for his lifelong service to the American people, his tireless commitment to NATO and transatlantic cooperation, and his unwavering support for Ukraine.”
Espen Barth Eide is Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. He mourns the death of Lindsey Graham and says that “Over the years, I have had many good conversations with Graham, and I will miss him.” Eide highlights Graham’s work with NATO and Ukraine, according to a written statement to NTB.
Masud Gharahkhani is the President of Norway’s Parliament, Stortinget. He has posted the following on X:
“It is incredibly sad to hear of his passing. He always clearly expressed his support for Ukraine’s struggle for freedom. He also supported the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom. Furthermore, he understood the importance of a strong NATO alliance, with the United States as the driving force.”
Fampo 