Saturday, December 09, 2006

Jimmy Carter's New Book

Former President has a new book out titled Palestine: Peace, Not Apartheid. So far, Mr. Carters’ book has generated a lot of controversy including the resignation of a former aide and chargers of improperly publishing some one else’s work.

I saw a copy of this book at a local Barnes and Nobles and read the book jacket. I got a good laugh out of it. Mr. Carter claims to lay out a plan for, “…Israel and Palestine living side by side within their own internationally recognized boundaries.” According to the book jacket, Mr. Carter believes Israel has a lot to do, and Palestine has almost nothing to do. I couldn’t believe that anyone wanting a real solution to the Israel / Palestine conflict would expect one party or the other make all the sacrifices, and not expect compromise from both sides.

The first controversy I read about in the news was when Kenneth Stein, Director of the Institute for the Study of Modern Israel, resigned after reading Mr. Carter’s book. He had been associated with Carter for some time and resigned as the Middle East Fellow of the Carter Center. Both Mr. Stein and President Carter agree that he has not been involved in the day to day affairs of the Carter Center for some time. Mr. Stein states that ,”President Carters book on the Middle East, a title too inflammatory to even print, is not based on unvarnished analyses, its is replete with factual errors, copied materials not cited, glaring omissions, and simply invented segments.” Mr. Stein did not want his name in anyway associated with the book.

Shortly after this, Mr. Dennis Ross, former Middle East envoy, came out in public and stated that at least some of the maps used in President Carters book were improperly published. Mr. Ross states that he is the original author of the maps. He states that he was not contacted and did not give permission for President Carter to use the maps.

Based on Mr. Ross and Mr. Stein, it would appear that President Carters new book uses very questionable material and questionable publishing to make its arguments. My original problem with the book still stands. Any course in the Israel / Palestine conflict must include Hamas being removed. At the same time I was reading Mr. Carters comments this week, I saw an article were members portions of the Palestine government will not participate in a unity government if they are asked to recognize Israel’s right to exist. That seems to me to mean that Palestine does have something it will have to work out if it wishes to coexist with Israel.

4 comments:

tomshideaway said...

What was first, Palestine or Israel, who created Israel? I think another imperial power, Great Britain, gave away "Palestine" which became Israel, Let me think if the US decided to give Texas to the American Indians, would the current Texans be putting out the welcome mat? Or vice versa?? I think the Middle East has to stop killing each other in order for you to find Peace...Jimmy Carter, I haven't read the book but he doesn't strike me as a war monger?? I have to read it now

Andy D said...

I agree whole heartedly, in order to find a peaceful solution, both sides have to stop killing the other side. Isreal feels like they are fighting a defensive battle, Palestine doesn't believe Isreal has a right to exist.

My point in covering the Carter book is that in order to find a peaceful solution, both sides will need to comprimise. That doesn't appear to be what Carter proposes. I don't think you can make an honest arguement for anything if you are making up facts to suit your arguement. That appears to be what President Carter is doing.

Aurelius said...

I just discovered your blog in BE. It is nice to see someone trying to participate in rational political discussion without - as you put it - without the name-calling.

Andy D said...

Thanks for the compliment. I hope you come back and participate in the discussion.