| Former President Carter blames media's 'pro-Israel bias' on AIPAC and 'Christians like me' |
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| Monday, 18 December 2006 | |
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Carter's recently published book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, has caused a "stir," which was "partly intentional," the former president told Newsweek. "One of the purposes of the book was to provoke discussion, which is very rarely heard in this country, and to open up some possibility that we could rejuvenate or restart the peace talks in Israel that have been absent for six years—so that was the purpose of the book," Carter told Newsweek's Eleanor Clift. Carter also told the magazine that the "effectiveness" and "powerful influence" of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has resulted in more "inhibited" debates in the United States than nearly anywhere else. "In this country, any sort of debate back and forth, any sort of incisive editorial comment in the major newspapers, is almost completely absent," Carter said. "And any member of Congress who's looking to be re-elected couldn't possibly say that they would take a balanced position between Israel and the Palestinians, or that they would insist on Israel withdrawing to international borders, or that they would dedicate themselves to protect human rights of Palestinians—it's very likely that they would not be re-elected," Carter added. In the letter addressed to American Jews, Carter also includes Christians like himself for limiting the debate. "I made it clear that I have never claimed that American Jews control the news media, but reiterated that the overwhelming bias for Israel comes from among Christians like me who have been taught since childhood to honor and protect God's chosen people from among whom came our own savior, Jesus Christ," Carter writes. "An additional factor, especially in the political arena, is the powerful influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which is exercising its legitimate goal of explaining the current policies of Israel's government and arousing maximum support in our country," Carter continues. "There are no significant countervailing voices," Carter regrets. Full text of Carter's letter: A letter to Jewish citizens of AmericaDuring my recent book tour I signed more than 100,000 books and was interviewed on 100 news media outlets.* The high point for me was a meeting with leaders of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix, who announced before my arrival that they would demonstrate against my book. When they invited me to meet with them, I accepted immediately. The six rabbis (three men and three women) and I were the only ones present except for a camera crew under the direction of Jonathan Demme, who was making a documentary about me and the work of The Carter Center. Demme reported that there was an equally large group of Jewish citizens demonstrating in support of the book and its call for a path to peace. We first discussed the peace treaty I negotiated between Israel and Egypt in 1979, and the Holocaust Commission I announced on Israel's 30th birthday. Five of them had read my book completely and one partially, and I answered their questions about the text and title of PALESTINE PEACE NOT APARTHEID. I emphasized, as I had throughout the tour, that the book was about conditions and events in the Palestinian territories and not in Israel, where a democracy exists with all the freedoms we enjoy in our country and Israeli Jews and Arabs are legally guaranteed the same rights as citizens. We discussed the word "apartheid," which I defined as the forced segregation of two peoples living in the same land, with one of them dominating and persecuting the other. I made clear in the book's text and in my response to the rabbis that the system of apartheid in Palestine is not based on racism but the desire of a minority of Israelis for Palestinian land and the resulting suppression of protests that involve violence. Bishop Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and prominent Israelis, including former attorney general Ben Yair, who served under both Labor and Likud prime ministers, have used and explained the appellation in harsher terms than I, pointing out that this cruel oppression is contrary to the tenets of the Jewish faith and the basic principles of the nation of Israel. Having traveled throughout the Holy Land during the past 33 years, especially within the occupied areas, I was qualified to describe the situation from my own personal observations. In addition, The Carter Center has monitored the Palestinian elections of 1996, 2005, and 2006, which required a thorough and intimate involvement with Palestinian citizens, candidates, public officials, and also the top political leaders of Israel who controlled checkpoints throughout the West Bank and Gaza and all facets of the elections in East Jerusalem. I made it clear that I have never claimed that American Jews control the news media, but reiterated that the overwhelming bias for Israel comes from among Christians like me who have been taught since childhood to honor and protect God's chosen people from among whom came our own savior, Jesus Christ. An additional factor, especially in the political arena, is the powerful influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which is exercising its legitimate goal of explaining the current policies of Israel's government and arousing maximum support in our country. There are no significant countervailing voices. I am familiar with the extreme acts of violence that have been perpetrated against innocent civilians, and understand the fear among many Israelis that threats against their safety and even their existence as a nation still exist. I reiterated my strong condemnation of any such acts of terrorism. When asked my proposals for peace in the Middle East, I summarized by calling for Hamas members and all other Palestinians to renounce violence and adopt the same commitment made by the Arab nations in 2002: the full recognition of Israel's right to exist in peace within its legally recognized 1967 borders (to be modified by mutual agreement by land swaps). This would comply with U.N. Resolutions, the official policy of the United States, commitments made at Camp David in 1978 and in Oslo in 1993, and the premises of the International Quartet's "Roadmap for Peace." An immediate step would be the resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, now absent for six years. President Mahmoud Abbas is the official spokesman for the Palestinians, as head of the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization, and has repeatedly called for peace talks. I asked the rabbis to join in an effort to induce the Israeli government to comply with this proposal. In addition, I pointed out that the Palestinian people were being deprived of the necessities of life by economic restrictions imposed on them by Israel and the United States because 42% had voted for Hamas candidates in the most recent election. Teachers, nurses, policemen, firemen, and other employees are not being paid, and the U.N. has reported that food supplies in Gaza are equivalent to those among the poorest families in sub-Sahara Africa with half the families surviving on one meal a day. My other request was that American Jewish citizens help to alleviate their plight. The chairman of the group, Rabbi Andrew Straus, then suggested that I make clear to all American Jews that my use of "apartheid" does not apply to circumstances within Israel, that I acknowledge the deep concern of Israelis about the threat of terrorism and other acts of violence from some Palestinians, and that the majority of Israelis sincerely want a peaceful existence with their neighbors. The purpose of this letter is to reiterate these points. We then held hands in a circle while one of the rabbis prayed, I autographed copies of my book as requested, and Chaplain (Colonel) Rabbi Bonnie Koppell gave me a prayer book. I have spent a great deal of my adult life trying to bring peace to Israel, and my own prayer is that all of us who want to see Israelis enjoy permanent peace with their neighbors join in this common effort.
Sincerely, Source: rawstory.com MPACUK Leeds Open Day:Date: 20th January 2007 Speakers:
Zulfi Bukhari CEO Contact the team to book your place leeds@mpacuk.org           Readers have left 11 comments.
John Tracey:
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It's very good reading about the Zionists power their racism and the attrocities they commit. But why doesn't MPAC do something that would really damage Israeli interests. For example have picit lines against Agrexco.
In the UK Agrexco is best known under the brand name Carmel, with products sold in all the main supermarkets. The UK accounting for 60% of all Israeli vegetable exports Agrexco has registered a dramatic increase in British sales over the past few years. In addition to being the single largest exporter of Israeli fruit and vegetables, Agrexco is also the largest exporter of settlement produce for sale overseas. During the January 2006 trial of seven activists charged with blockading the Agrexco UK distribution centre in protest at its operations in occupied Palestine, Amos Orr, general manager of Agrexco UK, affirmed that Agrexco handles 60-70% of all produce exported from Israeli settlements. The protestors were cleared of all charges. Agrexco has been particularly active in the Jordan Valley, which has become a key part of Israel’s plan to expand its settlements and deny the Palestinians the possibility of a viable state. Why doesn't MPAC do something useful, blockade the Agrexco UK distribution centre in protest at its operations in occupied Palestine? This would really hit Israel in the pocket and it would make news!!! MPAC would get a lot more publicity and the best thing is it's not illegal!! So it's a win/win. You can count me in. You can also try contacting the Palestinian Solidarity group and others to join us. Why not do something to really raise awareness? Or is MPAC all talk? PS the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign would relish the chance to protest.
(1)
2006-12-18 03:40:07
RSD:
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Although former President Carter may be right in some respects, he is in error regarding the current situation for PNA employees. The present refusal of both EU & US to supply funds to the PNA in the form of aid is due entirely to the policies of the current elected administration. This situation was predictable and the friends of Palestine should have forewarned them of this likely eventuality. The PNA under Fatah leadership repeatedly tested the EU & US resolve due to misappropriation of funds (theft), but so long as there was the hope that peace and the two state solution might evolve there was a willingness to overlook it. The election of Hamas was simply the straw that broke the camel's back. The Hamas Charter and its policies preclude the implementation of UN resolutions and the creation of a permanent peace.
Since 1993 we have seen a disproportionate share of the Palestinian commonwealth being used to purchase weapons and form a multiplicity of armed foces. By the late 1990's the PNA had lost control over these formations and could not exert authority in many urban areas. Once this occurred the PNA could no longer claim that it could act as an effective government. The factions skimmed a percentage off the top of aid deliveries, in much the same way as had happened from the 1950's in Lebanon and elsewhere. This funded their activities. Sadly instead of condemning this corruption, which inherently played into hard-line Israeli hands, the "Friends of Palestine" found justification for the violence that it spawned not once questioning the real purpose for the violence. Although the PNA is bankrupt, neither Fatah nor Hamas are in such a sitation. In the early 1990's the BNCIS cited Fatah as the richest "terrorist" organisation in the world with assets across the world and involvement in narcotics, money laundering and counterfeiting. Hamas attracts considerable donations from various sources around the world. Both of these organisations are able to maintain their military organisations with few if any financial constraints. If the US media is biased towards Israel as is claimed then it needs to be addressed. But it's reporting of the Palestinian side is equally skewed and supeficial. What is desperately needed is balanced detailed reporting.
(2)
2006-12-18 08:58:02
Brad Brzezinski:
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There’s a possibility that Carter's attitudes are influenced by his major funding sources:
Saudi Arabia The bin Laden family The UAE Oman In any case, labeling Israel as "Apartheid" is specious and done for the sake of negativity. Israel has no Apartheid policy like South Africa had and the association is based on certain anti-terrorism methods Israel is accused of using. If people like Carter and others want to resort to this name-calling then I point out that false labeling was what the Nazis did so I can legitimately call Carter a Nazi.
(3)
2006-12-18 19:29:26
Zak:
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Carter is right but he is wrong to pander to the zionist lobby in the US.
The zionist entity practices apartheid to the last letter and it calls itself a 'democracy', was the German Democratic Republic a democratic country? Breziznski should read The other side of Isreal by Susan Nathan and decide for himself who is actually practicing Nazi policies before pointing fingers.
(4)
2006-12-18 21:16:38
Verna Washington:
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FYI to Muslim World,
Do not start making excuses to blame Christians for the problems that you are suffering, because all that will do is give Biblical Christianity all the ammo it needs to spread in the US and the world against Islam. An in a war against Biblical Christianity, Islam cannot win.
(5)
2006-12-18 21:52:04
Apart:
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To Brad:
Israel isn't labelled as "Apartheid" because of what it does to its own citizens. If anything it treats its non-Jewish minority far better than any Muslim state treats its non-Muslim citizens. Rather, Israel is labelled as "Apartheid" because of what it does to non-citizens of Israel. It seem that separating your citizens from non-citizens is apartheid. However, according to that definition every country is guilty of apartheid by daring to have border controls which serve to keep out non-citizens.
(6)
2006-12-18 23:45:46
John:
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APART what on earth are you talking about? Muslims are treated better than Jews in Israel? You need you head checked mate. Muslims are not allowed to buy land in parts of Israel while Jews can. Non Jews are not allowed ot marry Jews by law. (Racist LAWS) Christian and Muslim Arabs have to wear blue licence plates on their cars and be sudjected to constant checks and harrasments. Where as Jew has a white licence plate and never gets checked.
Amnesty International say Israel tortures Muslims and Christain in prison on a regular basis for fun!! Musilms in Israel are not allowed to study in some universities in Israel. Any Jew in the world is allowed citizenship in Israel. Whereas the Pales they ethnically cleansed from their lands have no right of return. This is only the tip of the ice berg!!! Learn your facts before you make false claims. Israel is a racist, apartheid country and should sanctions imposed up on it. Another things why are Arabs having to suffer for the crimes of the Germans?
(7)
2006-12-19 00:27:50
DarthVader:
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Verna Washington:
What are you talking about, and why am I not shaking :-) actually i'm smiling...almost laughing. The Israeli's who oppress others are worst than animals. Of course you will not see that much on the mainstream media. I think you don't have anything to do with biblical christianity. You are probaly worshiping Jesus (as), when no where did he ever tell you to do so. So, there is no converstation really if you're that blind. So fear a fire whose fuel is men and stones (and women)
(8)
2006-12-19 10:50:40
Verna Washington:
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Darth,
There is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus, and Biblical Christianity. So all aothers, including Islam is wrong. The great Commission is our command to spread Biblical Christianity. War between religions is coming like it or not. and Biblical Christianity is not the one that will start it. Tp prevent it, Islam and the Muslim world need to know to leave everyone,including Israel alone or face the consequences.
(9)
2006-12-19 19:30:39
Hamza:
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Verna is what I like to call a millennialist Christian, the kind who thinks that conflict is necessary in Israel to speed up the coming of Jesus. There's no doubt that her kind is part of the reason why there will never be peace in Israel. Not saying that it's ALL of the reason, surely the Palestinians share some blame too.
(10)
2006-12-20 01:54:14
Akil:
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Salaamz.
Well, how long do you think the Israelis are going to be oppressing the Palestinians? Every oppression has its end. No matter how powerful the oppressor, they will fall. It doesn't really matter how many times the Arabs are smitten - it only requires the Arabs to win ONCE, and that will be end of any Jews in the region, because by that time there will be so much hatred for the Jews. It is better for the Jews to sincerely break bread with the Arabs now, than to be wiped out, literally, when the Arabs DO win. And this is inevitable, maybe not in the next few years, but definitely in the next few decades. WSalaam.
(11)
2006-12-20 04:45:14
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In a letter addressed to Jewish citizens of America, former President Jimmy Carter explains the media's "pro-Israel bias" partly on a powerful lobbying organization which faces no "significant countervailing voices," but primarily puts the blame on "Christians like me."
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