I won’t guess much about his motives, but it is fair to say that Jimmy Carter’s latest book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid was a definite act of courage. It is an unprecedented act of a former American President to publicly denounce the Israelis and the Israeli government. His book is a detailed account of how the Israeli government is hindering the peace process and encouraging terrorist retaliation. The book also highlights the double standards by which Israel runs its “State” and the Occupied Territory.
Not surprisingly, the Zionist Lobby in the US is going crazy over the book. He is publicly and personally attacked. He’s been labeled as anti-Semitic, terrorist and fundamentalist. Some have clearly accused him of promoting and justifying suicide bombing. For the past few weeks, there has not been a single talk show that did not attack him for the book. He actually revised the second edition of the book to delete a sentence that “might be understood as support for terrorism”.Though the book has a clear “religious” flavor, it is a complete historical review since the Intifada. It is the first time ever that an ex-president has the guts to tell things from the “other” perspective.
I truly believe that we should show Jimmy Carter some support as opposed to the attack he’s receiving from the other side. Irrespective of his motives or history, it takes real courage to stand against the Israeli lobby at the most unpopular times.
So, I suggest that we promote the book, buy multiple copies and write to Jimmy for support at:
The Carter Center
One Copenhill
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
E-mail: carterweb@emory.edu
Hope you enjoy the book!
5 comments:
I think what Carter wrote is absolute courage and something that he should be praised for. But the way you stared your Article by saying that “he might not be the most popular American president in the Middle East, especially after his role in the Camp David Peace Treaty” is kind of over exaggerated Arabic propaganda.
After more than 60 years of its existence I think Israel should be recognized as a country by us. Moreover, I think that Israel right to exist is quite similar to Kuwait and its right to exist.
Cheers,
Hi there,
Whether what Carter did then is right or wrong is irrelevant in the measure of his "reputation" in the Middle East. Just as Saddam's popularity is not a measure for anything ;)
Israel's right to exist is disputable too :)
i have not read the book, thereby cannot give any thoughts or impressions.
however, i have come across parts of debate over his book, primarily accusing him for not drawing a line between "opinion" and "fact"
this then reminded me of anyone who ever had the courtesy to ask/think/evaluate and re-evaluate the "middle east crisis" and came to a conclusion which was not in 180 degrees agreement with a statement like: "Israel is right. Period." if you know what i mean
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and i wouldnt blame carter for camp david, because that would take away from Ilsaadat's role - or lack thereof :)
Hi there A. Temmi :)
Miss you so much!
The book has nothing "new" to us except few "inside" stories that support a lot of the theories we have. But the new thing is the guts by which he attacked Israel. I think this is an amazing risk from his side.
As for Camp David, this is a typical case of relativity in politics and history. What sounded as a harch compromise then seems as unrealistic demand nowadays :(
7akima love, how are you? Hope you're in a better mood now :)
Ex-presidents rarely break free from their parties and their goverment's policies.
Plus, in his case, he risks his business, reputation, political influence and support to his charity and peace funds. He has a LOT to lose, which makes his risk more amazing.
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