First Carter Book Response

Jimmy Carter dealt with the Middle East before, during and after his term as president of the United States. He was involved as a Senator, and supervised many important accords, some of which have been followed, some of which have not. In the first part of his book, Carter states that peace is not self-sustained. The two sides of any relationship, be it Israel-Palestine or husband-wife, must both put forth an effort for it to work. After the first Intifada, the United States became focused elsewhere, the regimes concentrated on domestic issues, and there was little communication from the side of Israel. Relationships must be constantly defined at such a high level of complexity because the actions of one party directly influence the other. The audio book also highlighted the need for a legitimate compromise, one that satisfies both sides yet leaves both desiring a little more. The compromise must be pragmatic yet contain the respected ideologies of both parties for it to be successful. Critical to this compromise is the realization that the Israelis will not be eradicated, and the Arab-Palestinians will not leave all of King David’s former lands. At this point, none of the offers from either side has either been serious enough to be considered, or honored by both parties. This is a regretful place to be in, and few can see this better than Carter. The conflict is so much more complex than it is portrayed to be by the news media, considering the history atrocities performed by either side. I want to say to Israel and Palestine—Give up something! Let this come to an end! Is it so difficult to compromise enough so that your children need not live in fear, or in shame? I want to plead with the Israelis to permit the Palestinians to live as people in their own nation. I desire the Palestinian Arabs to accept an offer that is truly in good faith if one comes along. I want both sides to see that they cannot have it all, indeed sometimes they can have little, but I fear that I am still too naïve to judge either side. However, through Carter’s book, Burge’s book and other resources, I desire to know both sides of the conflict and be able to decide for myself, free of bias, what is at the heart of the issue and to be able to play some small part towards peace.