Bruce Feiler - Where God Was Born, Abraham, Walking The Bible

Carter Apologizes, Dershowitz Piles On
Friday, January 26, 2007

Major developments in the Jimmy Carter story today. Carter appeared at Brandeis on Thursday night, the appearance that Dershowitz initially tried to squelch. The significant headlines: 1) Carter apologized for a passage in his book that some had said promoted violence

"I apologize to you personally and to everyone here," Mr. Carter said when asked about the passage by a student during his appearance at Brandeis University on Tuesday. After explaining that the passage was "worded in a completely improper and stupid way," Mr. Carter said he has asked publisher Simon & Schuster Inc. to change the wording in future editions of the book.
The questionable passage, which appears on Page 213 of the book, reads: "It is imperative that the general Arab community and all significant Palestinian groups make it clear that they will end the suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism when international laws and the ultimate goals of the Roadmap for Peace are accepted by Israel."
Some of Mr. Carter's critics, including the Carter Center board members who resigned, say the text reads as defending terror tactics until a peace accord can be reached between Israel and Palestinians. "Repeatedly I call on all to terminate the use of violence," Mr. Carter said in response.

2) He defended the title, saying he was trying to be provocative. 3) Clearly trying to go on the offensive, he released a transcript of a meeting he had with John Paul II in 1979 in which he urged the Pope to recognize Israel. "I reported that the Jews in our country at least thought that he was biased against them because he had never yet mentioned Israel in one of his speeches," the transcript reads. "He replied, 'I have mentioned Jerusalem.' I replied, 'This is not adequate for the Jews.' "

After the appearance, Dershowitz told the crowd that this was the "Brandeis Carter," whom he liked, but that he didn't like the "Al Jazeera Carter," a clear reference to the fact that Arafat and others used to say one thing in English and another in Arabic. In other words: I don't accept your apology.

Labels: Middle East

Posted by B Feiler at 11:59 AM
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