Saturday, April 19, 2008

Carter the Peacemaker:
Carter-Hamas Talks Bring Hope of Peace!

Well, maybe.

"Carter, Hamas Meetings Produce 3-Point Peace Proposal
FOXNews (April 19, 2008)

The first two paragraphs:
  • "Former President Jimmy Carter's controversial meetings with Hamas leaders have produced a draft of a three-point peace agreement that includes a ceasefire with Israel, Hamas officials tell FOX News, but it isn't clear whether such a proposal would have any standing in the peace process.
  • "Carter met again on Saturday with the exiled leader of the militant Hamas group and his deputy, without backing from the Bush administration and against the wishes of Israeli leaders. The two Palestinians are considered terrorists by the U.S. government and Israel accuses them of masterminding attacks that have killed hundreds of civilians."
But, hey: nobody's perfect.

Besides, just because Hamas strapped explosives on 250 people, wound them up, pointed them toward Jews, and saw to it that they blew up: that doesn't mean that Hamas can't be a nice, civil, participant in the peace process, right?

We'll see.

The next stop for Carter the Peacemaker is Saudi Arabia.

I can hardly wait to see what happens there.

More, about Carter and Hamas, in Related posts, on Individuals and the War on Terror.

7 comments:

Jeff Wills said...

I really think Carter means well. But the truth is he's a well meaning fool. He needs to leave foreign policy to the President and the State Department.

Brian H. Gill said...

"He means well" seems to be a recurring theme with Former President Carter.

Although I admit that unofficial, private diplomacy can have good results, I agree: Mr. Carter should leave the Middle East to the State Department.

And, I'm no great fan of the American State Department.

Unknown said...

I know former Pres. Carter has a tendency to bungle things, but our State Dept. is really awful, as are our policies. If there is a chance for peace, bring it on!

This is a great blog, btw ~ super informative ~

Ottavio (Otto) Marasco said...

Carter strikes me as one who truly cares but lost touch with reality. His actions are those of an idealistic simpleton, both naïve and foolish. Why does he bring Chamberlain to mind?

"This is the second time in our history that there has come back from Germany to Downing Street peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time"

Neville Chamberlain British Politician, Prime Minister, Speech, Sept. 30, 1938.

Ottavio (Otto) Marasco said...

Damn I hit that publish button too early....

"Chamberalain the Peacemaker: Chamberalain-Hitler Talks Bring Hope of Peace!"

Brian H. Gill said...

Houseonahill.org,

I'd say 'give peace a chance,' if it weren't for the rather peculiar associations the phrase has.

Peace is nice: but, in this imperfect world, sometimes must be achieved by unpleasant means.

Thanks for the good words about this blog. I try to do a reasonably thorough job of researching - particularly since what I have to say is often not what 'everyone knows.

Brian H. Gill said...

American Interests.blog,

I'm afraid I see parallels.

Happily, this time, the prominent peacemaker had no official status. As to what Mr. Carter's non-negotiation with Hamas, and the presumed legitimacy he's given the organization, will accomplish - we probably won't be able to sort that out for decades.

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