I have often wondered, who is Jimmy Carter? After all here is a man who has devoted his life to public service and private philanthropy. Jimmy Carter's name is synonymous with the "Camp David Accords", (peace between Egypt and Israel), Habitat for Humanity, Peace not Apartheid, and, and "his apology to the Jews".
On the face of it it would seem that Carter offers a coherent face, a personality that is both altruistic and honest.
Yet there is room for confusion.
1)"Camp David Accords": Dennis Ross and David Makovsky's book Myths, Illusions, and Peace: Finding a New Direction for America in the Middle East, seems to indicate that Carter was actually an obstacle to Egyptian-Israeli Peace, and almost derailed the process!
2) Habitat for Humanity: joined by Carter in 1984, Carter has been a major force in fundraising and advocating on the organizations behalf, but it was founded in the 70's
3) Peace not Apartheid: Carters magnus opus, if you will, but 14 individuals on the advisory board of the Carter Center resigned in response to a book replete, they say, with inaccuracies, and politically motivated wording. Think apartheid.
This last gaff, wasn't helped by Carters continues overtures to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Or his somewhat abstruse rational displayed in interviews with the likes of Charlie Rose.
4) "Apology to the Jews": Finally, we get to this inane apology by Carter to the Jews for his insensitivity? What? While his son is running for election!
Here there is room for interpretation: 1) Carter feels bad. 2) Carter is offering the greatest evidence of what he terms the insidious Israeli lobby "even I, the champion of the Palestinians, the man who called it what it is 'apartheid', even I have to bend". Could it be that Carter sees this as an ironic opportunity to affirm his beliefs?
I don't know, but I think its time someone ask "who is Jimmy Carter"?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
To get a clearer understanding of the Camp David accords, one must watch a BBC documentary titled "The 50 year war"
ReplyDeleteFrom that movie, from the mouths of Israeli political and military leaders, it was evident that Carter did all that he could to make peace between Israel and Egypt.
The Argument is- How much did he pressure Israel into conceding and giving away settlements in the Sinai (Which by the way, Israel entered the accords, almost adamant to give away land) and how little did he pressure the Egyptians. Peace today between Israel and Egypt is thanks to Israel’s true yearning for true peace. It is also thanks to Carter who brought the Egyptians to the table.
Carter’s true colors are his infatuation with Hamas and Hezbollah.
Carter, a man you saw Menachem Bagin. A true hard liner and yet he gave away so much (Yamit…….) and still he calls Israel an apartheid state and finds Hamas and Hezbollah to be true partners in a hope for peace.
Mendel,
ReplyDeleteI just read A Case Against Israel's Enemies, especially, guess who? Jimmy Carter.
I happened to meet him on a flight from Atlanta several years ago. Before takeoff he walked from the front of the plane to the back and shook each person's hand.
When we showed the pictures to families, one of my brother in laws went nuts.