I've Just Read Jimmy Carter's Book & I Have A Different Outlook

[Robson]

OK friends...only a few years ago I was 100% in Israel's court. I supported their wall and settlements and harsh responses and have given an opinion that Israel should just expel all the Palestineans.

But in recent years I've had second thoughts. One catalyst was discussion with a very intelligent relative that I have always respected who did advanced studies of the ME. I was persistently told that there was much more to the Israeli-Palestinean problem than simply PLO suicide terrorists doing harm to Israel. I was told 10 years ago there were many issues behind this than most in the USA were not aware of, and there were definitely two sides to the story.

If you haven't read Jimmy Carter's book "Palestine - Peace Not Apartheid" I suggest that you get out in front of the US media and read it and form an opinion of your own. I borrowed mine at the library. There is much more to this problem, and Israel has dirty hands too.

Honestly I'll never look at the Middle East and Israel-Pal. situation the same. There are two sides to this story.

The USA could do far more for the supposed war on terror by being a neutral objective arbitor in the Middle East and stay out of bed with all countries (including Israel) or other groups in that area.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/07/AR2006120701835.html

edited for grammar:

[breakaleg]

1. Before this thread gets deleted, what was it in the book that changed your perspective?

[AX10]

2. Why would this thread be deleted?

[ChairmanAgnostic]

3. heh.

nt

[AX10]

5. What is wrong with being an arbitror for a two state solution?

[cali]

4. The rules dictate that all posts in I/P

stem from a published article. Sometimes mods let posts that don't contain an article stand. Most of the time they don't

[AX10]

7. Can they just move it to GD then?

[breakaleg]

6. I/P rules state all posts should link a news article less than 3 weeks old, with the

article's title as the title of the post. Perhaps the OP can find a book review or something to add to his post and it may stick around.

[Robson]

8. Ambulances 12" Too long.

Lots of things.....

Things like donated ambulances for the Palestinean hospitals that the Israelis refused to license because they were 12" too long. Carter asked why and was told that the Israeli military made the rules to prevent terrorism. That's all BS.

Or how the ancient olive trees that the Palestineans used to farm on their land were cut down by Israeli military, so as to encourage the Christian and Muslims to just leave. Or how the farmers were delayed on the bridge until their produce wilted.

BTW why would this be deleted?

[breakaleg]

12. It should link a recent news article. I'm interested because there has been so much

anger over this book, but many of us haven't read the book yet. So this would be a good opportunity to separate fact from fiction.

I was also 100% in Israel's corner not so long ago. And I'm now shocked at the things I've learned about what really happens in Israel. I think the public in North America would also be surprised if they looked beyond the headlines and did a little research into the situation themselves. Our news outlets are so biased in favor of Israel that if you rely on them, then that could shape your perception.

[Robson]

14. Two sides to every story.

Thanks. The book is a relatively easy but very enlightening read. I'm a believer that there are two sides to every story (and sometimes more). Two sides whether it be as simple as a friend's divorce or geopolitical events.

This book should be required reading for all Americans that want more knowledge and both sides of this Middle East story and an understanding of the rage that exists in that area from both sides.

This book needs to be fully discussed and debated and not hidden under the covers by the mainstream media. Hopefully threads pertaining to it won't be debated.

[Robson]

16. Legal system

Perhaps Carter's discussion of the one sided and a biased legal system in Israel that Palestineans often find themselves caught in, was mindful of the those that might get caught up in Gitmo and our Patriot Act where proving innocence beomes an impossibility. Detained indefinitely but under very broad charges such as disturbing the peace.

Unlike in the USA, apparently cases that are taken to the Supreme Court in Israel do not necessarily set precedent for lower courts. Carter used the example that a Palestinean with a strong case could win in the Israel Supreme Court, but the decision would not butress or support other individuals under similar situations.

[pocoloco]

9. Out of curiosity, why were you

"100% in Israel's court. I supported their wall and settlements and harsh responses and have given an opinion that Israel should just expel all the Palestinians."

Inquiring minds would like to know?

[Robson]

11. Opinions change based upon changing reality

I used to listen to Rush Limbaugh too. Then I realized he was full of shit. I'm beginning to believe the same about this situation.

[Old and In the Way]

10. Sadly, I think Israel and the Arabic States, as well as the US are all

under the influence of RW governments. The RW solutions seem to view problems as solvable only through war. They is no trust and one assumes the worst motives of their opponents. I truly wish we had more progressive and enlightened governments at this juncture in time. It seems that the only groups that benefit from RW governments, are the RWingers themselves...everyone else suffers.

[papau]

13. Carter on the hard life of the Palestinians is moving - and a 2 state solution based on Taba/Geneva

is the only solution

But there is much that is in the book that is disputed and has records showing that various Carter statements are "not true" (he accepted anything told to him by one side and rejected all said by the other -but he was trying to make a point).

It doesn't change the thrust of the book - just makes various Israels look worse than called for and makes Arafat look better than he should.

[Robson]

15. That might be true.

Then we've been given only one side for years.

[papau]

18. True - the Palestinian hardship story has not been big in the US media. n/t

n/t

[gratefultobelib]

17. Have you read the book review that is cited in your link? Just curious since

it is not a complimentary review.

[Robson]

19. Yes but added for balance

Typical BS review that meets political correctness agenda of MSM. Only added for balance.

[Lithos]

20. Locking per I/P guidelines

Thread subject line is not the article title.

Lithos
DU Moderator