Having just finished Jimmy Carter’s new book, "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid," I think the critics are warring over the title, not the facts contained within. No matter how you spin the situation in the Middle East, one thing is clear: the Israeli/Palestinian issue must be settled. Carter has unique knowledge of not only the facts but also the people involved. He has personal relationships with all the players and there is no one better qualified to assess the situation.
His book is a frank and open assessment of the problem and it’s possible solutions. What has critics upset is the title. That word "apartheid" is simply too hot to handle. After reading the book, I can think of no better word to describe the actions of the Israelis. They have walled up the Palestinians, restricted their commerce, movement and contact with the outside world. They have overwhelming military force aimed at them and have emasculated their police force. Top that off with the Israelis stubborn refusal to abide by the UN resolution 242 and you have a recipe for disaster.
Carter calls a spade a spade and for that he is vilified. Well the truth sometimes hurts, but it can set all the parties accept the facts and move beyond them towards a real solution. Unfortunately it seems that may be impossible for the foreseeable future. One of the main problems is the US lack of resolve to stay engaged in the process. If we took an active role in the peace process things might move forward, but the present administration has chosen to remain passive on this issue. By staying on the sidelines and not pushing both sides for an equitable peace, we only keep tensions high in the area.
To people offended by the title, if you haven’t read the book, then shut up. Titles are meant to be provocative and this is a subject on which everyone needs more information. This book is a great start in understanding the problem and the possible solutions. It is written by the foremost authority on the subject and we would all do well to heed his warnings.
His book is a frank and open assessment of the problem and it’s possible solutions. What has critics upset is the title. That word "apartheid" is simply too hot to handle. After reading the book, I can think of no better word to describe the actions of the Israelis. They have walled up the Palestinians, restricted their commerce, movement and contact with the outside world. They have overwhelming military force aimed at them and have emasculated their police force. Top that off with the Israelis stubborn refusal to abide by the UN resolution 242 and you have a recipe for disaster.
Carter calls a spade a spade and for that he is vilified. Well the truth sometimes hurts, but it can set all the parties accept the facts and move beyond them towards a real solution. Unfortunately it seems that may be impossible for the foreseeable future. One of the main problems is the US lack of resolve to stay engaged in the process. If we took an active role in the peace process things might move forward, but the present administration has chosen to remain passive on this issue. By staying on the sidelines and not pushing both sides for an equitable peace, we only keep tensions high in the area.
To people offended by the title, if you haven’t read the book, then shut up. Titles are meant to be provocative and this is a subject on which everyone needs more information. This book is a great start in understanding the problem and the possible solutions. It is written by the foremost authority on the subject and we would all do well to heed his warnings.
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