Jimmy Carter on Israel, Iran, Barack Obama and the Chances for Middle East Peace
Do you have any regrets about U.S. policy toward Iran under your administration?
Not really. You know, as soon as the shah was overthrown, which I deeply regretted, then we established diplomatic relations with the new government, the revolutionary government under the Ayatollah Khomeini. So, we treated Iran with respect, and I notice that today or yesterday, I've forgotten which, the president of Iran said that he was willing to have communications or negotiations with America so long as the two nations treated each other with respect. So, I think that is a step in the right direction.
You conclude your book by outlining a basic framework for peace to be proclaimed by the U.S. president. Do the elections in Israel have any effect on your recommendations?
It looks like Ms. [Tzipi] Livni [of the Kadima party] did better than people expected, but still the right-wing elements in Israel probably won a majority of the total parliamentary seats. But I've seen these elections nevertheless over the last 30 years in Israel. They fluctuate back and forth, but the major factor is that Israel is now admitting, even the top leaders, that the one-state solution is not acceptable. And I think that a strong move or influence or presence or participation by the United States can be a turning point in the acceptance of a reasonable peace agreement between the two.
So, regardless of who forms a government in Israel, prospects for peace are equal?
I think in both cases the prospects for peace are possible and likely, in that Israel, the Israeli people, want peace, the Palestinian people want peace; they're waiting for a strong move from the United States of America. We can't dominate them, but we have a great influence there.
Reader Comments
Carter's folly
The reason we are now talking about a nucleur Iran is because of the bleeding heart and appeasement of President Carter. True, the Shah was not a saint but had the U.S. supported him for the time being until a true democracy was established in Iran we wouldnt have the insanity that now exists nor the threat of war between Israel and Iran. The mere fact that Mr. Carter is willing to support the murderers of Hamas who will never recognize Israel as a homeland for Jewish people says that Carter follows the "Prime Minister Chamberlin philosphy" of negotiation..just appease, just appease.
Carter and Peace in the middle east
Jimmy Carter is a good hearted man, and we all know that the world is running out of such great people. The only thing war prevents is peace, and today in the United States we all can agree, that it prevents the U.S. and the world from maintaining and creating prosperous economies for our children and grandchildren, here and around the world. Its time that we all(The Whole World) work together on healing our earth's more important issues such as the enviorment, and space exploration etc. Muslims and the Jews both are related any way, children of Abraham, both of them deserve a home of their own, in the holyland, to live in peace and work together to become an economic contender in the world. The same goes for North Korea, South Korea, Russia, China, Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, Asia. Greed and Jealousy is the suspect of our battles and our problems on earth. Thanks to people like Jimmy Carter who remind us children, That we are adults that must work together against mother nature, the population of the world is a big issue, thats the reason for some much tension, the muslims should understand that isreal is not as populated(Big) as the muslims, and the jews must and should defend itself to exist, however not start a war at every turn, the jews have the upper hand and should use diplomacy, not battles, nor war,and same goes for the muslims, if hamas is what they have to move forward with peace, the jews should understand and deal with them. Thank you Mr. Jimmy Carter and those Peace makers, for you are all REAL MEN, and Blessed by my Religon Christianity
Carter's Expertise
While I genuinely believe that President Carter has a good heart and in concerned about the fair treatment and good of people, History has shown that Carter's judgements and opinions are not sound. Decisions to cut military spending led to deminishing military capabilities that led to a position of weakness that led to hostage situation that led to helecopters stranded in a desert. Bank deregulation (The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 begun under Carter.....magnified by Clinton Administration)led to um....... Carter is, however, pretty good with a hammer.JMO
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