THE LAST WORD
By Pat Coughlan
The announcement of the passing of former US President Jimmy Carter sent me scurrying to find my copy of his 2006 book on Palestine. Carter made a notable impact with his book, Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, challenging beliefs about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Carter highlighted Israel’s separation barrier, comparing it to apartheid that restricts Palestinian movement.
The book sparked discussions and debates, like those on CNN’s Larry King Live, and prompted Op-Eds in major newspapers both critiquing and supporting Carter. His willingness to question established perspectives, such as criticising settlement expansions in Palestinian territories, rendered the book controversial and significant.
In the book, Carter uses ‘Palestine’ to challenge prevailing Israeli views. By choosing ‘Palestine’ over ‘Israeli-occupied territories,’ ‘West Bank,’ or ‘Gaza Strip,’ he urges readers to consider its historical significance. Carter connects past events to the current conflict, asking readers to reconsider their perspectives.
He discussed the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, highlighting Palestinian displacement as ethnic cleansing. This historical context informs their quest for statehood today. He states, “The forced removal of Palestinians from their homes in 1948 constituted a form of ethnic cleansing that cannot be ignored in today’s dialogue about territorial rights.”
In the book, Carter draws a significant parallel between the situation in Palestine and apartheid in South Africa, focusing on the restriction of movement as a key similarity. He noted: “The forced separation of people based on racial or ethnic lines can be observed through the restrictive policies in both regimes.”
During apartheid in South Africa, the ‘Pass Laws’ were a set of rules that severely restricted the mobility of black South Africans, dictating where they could live, work, or even travel. Similarly, in present-day Palestine, Palestinians face numerous barriers and checkpoints that greatly inhibit their freedom of movement, affecting all aspects of their daily lives —from work to education and family reunification.
An example from today is the West Bank separation barrier, a complex series of fences and walls, which not only restricts movement but also leads to socio-economic challenges for Palestinians, reminiscent of the restrictions faced during apartheid.
Carter’s book examines the struggles faced by Palestinians, which are often ignored. His writing highlights their daily challenges, stating: “The situation for Palestinian families is desperate due to the punitive measures imposed on them.”
Carter prompts a reconsideration of the Israeli-Palestinian relationship, urging readers to “view the conflict through the lens of compassion and justice.” By drawing attention to these difficulties, he encourages a fair discussion that inspires understanding and empathy from all involved. His work urges recognition of the human experiences behind the conflict, emphasising, “We cannot ignore the personal stories of those caught in this struggle.”
Jimmy Carter seeks a balanced conversation that respects the complexities of this long-standing issue, asserting that “only by acknowledging the true hardships on both sides can we hope to move towards peace”.
His book elicited varied reactions. Israeli critics attempted to counter his views, targeting controversial comparisons like those to apartheid in Chapter 3. They claimed this analogy was oversimplified, ignoring geopolitical complexities, citing historical accounts presenting alternate perspectives on Israeli policies.
Ironically, debate, such as on Israeli television, increased interest, with a January segment pushing the book into best-seller lists. This controversy drew more readers, sparking interest in its themes. Book clubs in London and San Francisco organised sessions, engaging new participants. Instead of eclipsing dialogue, criticism fuelled further debate. University panels at Columbia and the University of Toronto discussed its implications, showing the book’s influence on global views and fostering balanced discussion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Carter’s legacy reveals a person who skilfully combined peace initiatives with courage to challenge common beliefs. His involvement in the Camp David Accords, leading to a 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, exemplifies his ability to foster dialogue and practical solutions to rooted conflicts.
His work proves the importance of challenging established norms to achieve lasting peace.
