Portrait of Jimmy Carter
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Jimmy Carter on Middle East

Peacemaker and critic (strong) Position evolved

TL;DR

Jimmy Carter achieved the Camp David Accords but later became a vocal, consistent critic of Israeli policies, advocating for Palestinian rights.

Key Points

  • He brokered the 1978 Camp David Accords, which resulted in the first peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, signed in March 1979.

  • In his 1980 State of the Union address, he declared the Carter Doctrine, stating the Persian Gulf region was vital to U.S. interests and would be defended by any means necessary.

  • He wrote the controversial 2006 book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, criticizing Israeli policies in the West Bank and urging a two-state solution.

Summary

Jimmy Carter’s approach to the Middle East during his presidency was defined by the historic, yet incomplete, Camp David Accords in 1978, where he brokered a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, with the agreement including a framework for Palestinian autonomy that ultimately did not materialize. His diplomatic efforts also involved rebuffing Soviet involvement in peace talks, focusing instead on bilateral agreements, and his term saw the collapse of the Shah of Iran, leading to the subsequent Iran hostage crisis and the declaration of the Carter Doctrine in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Following his presidency, Carter became an unrelenting advocate for Palestinian rights, which frequently put him at odds with Israeli leaders and segments of the American Jewish community. He often expressed views on the conflict with a characteristic clarity, such as advocating for a two-state solution and criticizing Israeli settlement expansion, even claiming this criticism stemmed from a desire for a just, lasting peace in the region. His post-presidency role involved continuous engagement, using his foundation as a platform to champion these specific political outcomes, often reinterpreting past UN resolutions to support his established premises.

Key Quotes

An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jimmy Carter’s most enduring presidential accomplishment in the Middle East was brokering the Camp David Accords in 1978 between Egypt and Israel. This resulted in Egypt becoming the first Arab nation to formally recognize Israel, leading to a 1979 peace treaty.

Yes, Jimmy Carter's position evolved significantly, particularly in his post-presidency. While his administration aimed for a comprehensive peace and Palestinian autonomy, later in life, he became a vocal and consistent critic of Israeli policies, publishing works that strongly advocated for Palestinian rights.

The Carter Doctrine was announced by the president in his January 23, 1980, State of the Union address following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. It declared that any attempt by an outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region would be regarded as an assault on vital U.S. interests and would be repelled, including with military force.