Carter was a man of peace and integrity

The Palestinian people have this week lost one of the most outspoken champions of their cause. Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the US, died on Sunday at the age of 100. Carter will be remembered as a man of integrity and courage. His readiness to move away from the more orthodox foreign policy line adopted by both Democrats and Republicans back in the 1970s over the Arab-Israeli conflict triggered fundamental shifts in how the world later approached that conflict, with the plight of the Palestinians as its core.
Carter’s life embodied the American dream, while transcending it through his dedication to global service. His one term as president (1977-1981), even though he was often criticized during his tenure, yielded lasting diplomatic triumphs, most notably the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt — an achievement that earned him respect as a peacemaker long after he left office.
Carter, who had no foreign policy experience prior to his 1976 presidential victory, oversaw one of the most important and complex US diplomatic interventions ever to resolve a significant aspect of the conflict: ending the state of war between Egypt and Israel. Those agreements paved the way for future US-sponsored peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, culminating in the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, which would be followed by a peace deal between Jordan and Israel.
Carter’s commitment to peace and justice knew no bounds. Though controversial, his advocacy for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israeli policies reflected his unwavering commitment to human rights and justice, regardless of political cost.
His 2002 Nobel Peace Prize recognized his diplomatic achievements and his lifelong dedication to advancing human dignity and peace. Throughout his life, Carter maintained a reputation for integrity that stood as a beacon in American public life. His plainspoken manner and modest lifestyle reflected his belief that true greatness lies in serving others. Even as he faced criticism for his political positions, few questioned his sincerity or commitment to his principles.
Carter’s commitment to the Palestinian issue extended beyond his presidency and covered most of his post-presidential career. During his time in office and over the following decades, Carter brought unprecedented diplomatic attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leaving an indelible mark on Middle East peace efforts.
His crowning achievement was the 1978 Camp David Accords, as he skillfully mediated negotiations between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. While the accords primarily focused on normalizing Egyptian-Israeli relations and returning the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt, they also established a framework for addressing Palestinian rights and autonomy. However, the provisions regarding Palestinian self-determination remained notably vague and fell short of Palestinian aspirations for statehood.

Throughout his life, Carter maintained a reputation for integrity that stood as a beacon in American public life.

Osama Al-Sharif

Carter was committed to acknowledging Palestinian rights throughout his administration, stressing the importance of including Palestinian self-determination in any enduring peace solution. His administration kept open communication channels with the Palestine Liberation Organization, representing a significant change in America’s diplomatic approach. Carter also supported UN Security Council Resolution 242, which called for a fair settlement of the Palestinian issue, although the implementation of such resolutions continued to be contentious.
After leaving the White House, Carter’s advocacy for Palestinian rights intensified. He became an increasingly vocal critic of Israeli policies in the Occupied Territories and a steadfast proponent of a two-state solution. Through books, speeches and direct involvement in peace initiatives, Carter consistently highlighted the challenges faced by Palestinians and advocated for their rights and recognition. During the 1990s and 2000s, he participated in numerous peace initiatives and observer missions in the region, working to foster dialogue and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.
Carter’s 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” marked perhaps his most controversial contribution to the discourse. In it, he provided a critical examination of the Israeli occupation and its impact on Palestinian lives. While the book drew sharp criticism and allegations of antisemitism from some quarters, especially in Israel, Carter remained resolute in his stance, continuing to address issues such as settlement expansion and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Throughout his post-presidency, Carter openly criticized US policies that he believed undermine Palestinian interests. This included certain aspects of military aid to Israel and what he perceived as inadequate pressure on Israeli actions in the West Bank and Gaza. His approach reflected a rare willingness among American political figures to challenge established views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Carter’s legacy regarding the Palestinian issue reflects the achievements and limitations of American engagement with this conflict. His presidential accomplishments, particularly the Camp David Accords, established important frameworks for negotiation, even if they failed to fully address Palestinian aspirations. His post-presidential advocacy helped maintain focus on Palestinian rights and the necessity of a just resolution to the conflict. Through both periods, Carter’s efforts underscored the intricate challenges of achieving lasting peace in the region and the importance of considering the rights and aspirations of all parties involved in the peace process.
Carter’s contribution to advancing peace in the region has influenced US foreign policy on the conflict and created momentum that transcended his one-term presidency. His successors, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden, all attempted to mediate between Israel and the Palestinians with mixed results. None was able to deliver what was promised to the Palestinians under the Oslo Accords: an independent state and an end to Israeli occupation.
In hindsight, one can say that US mediation became a liability for an equitable peace deal. The US was never able or willing to put real pressure on Israel to embrace the two-state solution and end its occupation of Palestinian territories.
Today, as Trump gets ready to begin his second term as president and complete what he started in his first term — attempting to conclude a peace deal between the Arabs and Israel — Palestinians cannot help but feel abandoned by the international community. The Biden administration’s complicity in the Gaza massacre is a case in point.
Carter’s advocacy of the Palestinian cause was not just about sound foreign policy, but a deep and genuine belief in the historical injustice they had endured and continue to endure. No US president since has had the courage or integrity to even come close to matching Carter’s legacy of genuine empathy with the Palestinians.

• Osama Al-Sharif is a journalist and political commentator based in Amman. X: @plato010