Paul Sarbanes: The passing of an emblematic Greek-American politician

Paul Sarbanes, one of the most significant Greek-American politicians - and certainly the most effective in terms of influence on US decision-making - has died at the age of 87.

Sarbanes, who maintained contact with many of Greece's prime ministers, for decades served a two-faceted role that was as sensitive as it was useful: He advised Greek governments on what they should, or should not, do. At the same time, he courageously raised (before the Senate, of which he was a key member, as well as before the president of the time) issues that concerned Greece, Cyprus and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Early on, Sarbanes played a central role in enforcing the US arms embargo on Turkey in the wake of the country's 1974 invasion of Cyprus.

When speaking with American politicians over the years, I would immediately sense the respect that Sarbanes enjoyed among...