CAIRO, April 17, 2008
Jimmy Carter Meets Hamas Delegation
Former President Continues Mideast Peace Mission That Has Drawn Ire Of U.S., Israel
-
-
Photo
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter plans to visit Syria, Saudi Arabia and Jordan before returning to Israel late Sunday. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil)
-
Photo
Nasser Shaer and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter embraced at a reception in the West Bank town of Ramallah on Tuesday, April 15, 2008. (AP)
-
Photo
Khaled Mashaal, head of the Hamas politburo, is seen in this March 1, 2008 file photo. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter is to meet Mashaal, the group's exiled leader, in Damascus, Syria, on Friday, April 18, 2008. (AP Photo/Bassem Tellawi)
-
-
Interactive
Mideast Conflict
Events, key players and a history of the world's most unstable region.
Carter spoke with Hamas officials in the West Bank Wednesday and angered Israelis when he embraced one of them. He plans to meet the group's exiled political chief, Khaled Mashaal, in Damascus, Syria on Friday.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate who brokered Israel's historic peace agreement with Egypt three decades ago is on what he calls a private peace mission. He contends the U.S., Israel and other Western states should stop isolating Hamas if they want peace efforts to succeed.
An Associated Press reporter saw the Hamas delegation with about 15 members heading into the meeting at a Cairo hotel and a Hamas coordinator in Egypt confirmed they were meeting with Carter. The coordinator spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The meeting was closed to the media and held under heavy security shortly after Carter and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak met and then had lunch together with their wives. The former president is scheduled to give a speech and a news conference later Thursday at the American University of Cairo.
The Hamas delegation in Cairo was headed by Gaza leaders Mahmoud Zahar and Said Siyam.
Zahar said Wednesday that Carter's meetings with its leaders will boost the group's legitimacy despite criticism by Israel and the U.S. government.
Quote
"This meeting is a message to those who don't recognize Hamas' legitimacy as a movement," he said as he left for Egypt, according to Hamas' Web site.I don't think it is possible to have an ultimate peace agreement without the involvement of Syria. And I don't think it will be possible without the involvement of Hamas.
Former President Jimmy CarterHamas spokesman Taher Nuhu, who was also part of the delegation in Cairo, told The Associated Press Wednesday that meeting with Carter would be "a recognition of the legitimacy" of Hamas' victory in the Palestinians' parliamentary election in 2006.
"We do not claim we are the only legitimate group there, but we are an integral part whose legitimacy was manifested in the elections," Nuhu said.
A Carter spokesman refused to comment on Hamas' claim.
Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since its bloody takeover from the rival Fatah faction last June, opposes peace negotiations with Israel and is committed to the Jewish state's destruction.
The group has killed some 250 Israelis in suicide bombings and is branded a terror organization by the U.S. and Israel.
When he arrived in Egypt on Wednesday, Carter was greeted at the airport by U.S. Ambassador to Egypt Francis J. Ricciardone.
Ricciardone, speaking to reporters in Arabic, described Carter as a "man of peace," but said the U.S. government disagrees with him about his contacts with Hamas.
Carter also has been criticized by some Democrats in Congress. Howard L. Berman of California, who is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Gary Ackerman, a New Yorker who heads the House subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, urged Carter to cancel the meeting with Mashaal.
"We believe this ... will undermine the Middle East peace process and damage the credibility of Palestinian moderates," including President Mahmoud Abbas, the two said in a letter addressed to Carter.
"The legitimacy and prestige that Hamas will derive from your visit will be seen in the region as a clear demonstration that violence pays," they said.
Abbas, the moderate head of Fatah, runs a government in the West Bank that rivals Hamas' Gaza regime.
In Israel, all the country's senior political leaders except President Shimon Peres declined to meet with Carter when he visited.
Nevertheless, Carter has argued it is counterproductive to ignore Hamas.
"I don't think it is possible to have an ultimate peace agreement without the involvement of Syria. And I don't think it will be possible without the involvement of Hamas," Carter told a group of Israeli and Palestinian peace activists.
Carter plans to visit Syria, Saudi Arabia and Jordan before returning to Israel late Sunday.
Several former State Department officials who have followed Mr. Carter's efforts in the Middle East for years also see a pattern in his refusal to follow the official policy guidelines, reports CBS News State Department reporter Wolfson. The former president seems to have an inclination to periodically insert himself into various aspects of peacemaking in the region, a tendency, the officials note, that rankles some who have watched him in the years since he left the White House.
Clearly, Mr. Carter feels his status as a Nobel Peace Prize winner and his own efforts brokering the 1979 Camp David Accords which led to a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt give him as much latitude as he wishes to exercise.
©MMVIII, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
...
- 8
- next
See all 367 CommentsYou want to know what an Obama presidency would look like? Study the Carter Presidency.
Under Jimmy Carter''s leadership == the Iran hostage crisis with one of the most hastily conceived, poorly planned, colossally botched military rescues, under Ronald Reagan''s presidency == the end of the Soviet Union and without a shot fired in anger.
Come Home Jimmy, your peanuts need weeding!
On May 15, 1948, the American President advocated the creation of the State of Israel in the heart of the Moslem middle-east. 2 years later, 4.5 millions Palestinians were forced out of their homes and lands without compensation.
I am not going to say that this is Terrorism but I will say what a infinite price America is paying in Treasury and blood because of this Idiot Religious decision 60 years ago. This price keeps exploding with the continued UnConditional Support to Israel. I cannot believe we care a lot more of Israel than of ourselves. We go to war to save Israel instead of investing in our future.
2 weeks after 9/11, Osama Bin Ladin released his 1st video. In the video, he clearly listed the top 3 reasons for bombing the twin towers. The 1st reason was the US military base 60 miles from their Moslem''''s holy Mecca inside Saudi Arabia. The 2nd reason was this Palestine crisis.
On Osama Bin Ladin 2nd released video, Osama states that they will destroy America Economically and not Militarily. So far, they are winning big.
According to a recent report by CNN.com, Anti-Semitics is exploding around the world. I just sit here and wonder why? Personally, I blame only the Zionists inside Israel and America.
Furthermore his aides sabotaged the rescue attempt. There is a strong case that Ronald Reagan committed high treason so that he could be elected.
http://history.eserver.org/the-october-surprise.txt
Posted by woozybarnes at 12:19 PM : Apr 17, 2008"
No, Gorby didn''t "end-it" ... the Soviet Union went bankrupt and fell apart trying to keep up with the U.S. in the arms race. If "Gorby" and his constituents had their way, the cold war would still be on.
President Ronald Reagan never ended the Soviet Union.
The Soviet Union quit the Afghanistan War after 13 years of attempting everything under the Sun to win. After an Empty Treasury, the Soviet Union disappeared by itself.
Similar, America 6 years War in Afghanistan got 7 more years to go before the US Treasury is Empty and therefore the 4th Great Depression (RIP).
Do you really think the Country Loving People of Afghanistan are going to one day fall in love with the Invaders?
Beiriut in 1983. By the way Regean did end the Cold
War by not taking SMD off the table, Gorby knew he
could keep up. The Russians could even keep the
equipment they had operational. By trying to keep
up with our military buildup he bankrupted what
economy he had. Then he couldnt keep a boot on the
Eastern European Countries they had taken over
after WW2....Just ask the Poles and the the rest
of Eastern Europe what the think of Regan.
While this won''t offend most liberals, how might this impact the general election?
Posted by LeFeaoux
You ought to learn a little history there pal (not that I''m actually suggesting that you knuckleheads are capable of "learning" anything).
Your stupid leader Bush supported a covert coup by Fatah strongman Muhammad Dahlan against Hamas, which of course failed miserably and left Hamas stronger than ever. So if you want to call anyone a "moron" perhaps you should start with the king of the dimwits who enables Hamas: George W. Bush.
Better yet, go away, read a few books and come back when you''ve learned to think.
Thanks.
If you were there in the middle east trying to support them, they would murder you too!!! You people just don''t get it! You who support them are their puppets, influenced by their anti-American propaganda. This war would have happened no matter what as it is what the Muslim world wants.
Posted by gunownerdan
Fixed.
Nuff said...
You''re beyond repair.
Posted by LeFeaoux at 12:32 PM : Apr 17, 2008
He already has. He has been trying to rebuild his ''legacy'' since 1981. The man has never met a dictator or terrorist whose arse he wouldn''t kiss. (see story above)
low IQ Religious types, of all faiths who
have taken a personal belief that their God is the only God.......
do away with terrorism?
its very easy,
Learn separation of church and state, Mosque and State and Separation of Church and Synagogue.....
Well, you are entitled to your opinion ... wrong as it may be! He (Carter) may have done some great things as an ambassador (he was actually a pretty good one, up until now) but as President, he all but destroyed our Military AND our economy. MANY of the problems we have today are remnants of the Carter and Clinton administrations. Do I like Bush??? No, not really ... I personally don''t think he is that great a president but he was a better choice than Algore or Scarey Kerry!!!
If you were there in the middle east trying to support them, they would murder you too!!! You people just don''''t get it! You who support them are their puppets, influenced by their anti-American propaganda. This war would have happened no matter what as it is what the Muslim world wants.
--------------------
Actually an infedel is not refering to people who are not Muslim, it refers to people who don''t believe in God. It doesn''t matter who uses it or designates it to wherever. It just that Muslims like the word is all xP. Also Muslims aren''t all that bad, its just that you see the radical idiots on the TV the whole time. EX: People in the South are kind & nice people, but you always see the most incompetent people on the news, that is because the media is more interested in the stupid & obsurd people of the world.
Get a clue people!
Ever see a Fat Hagee Ministries program?
talk about hate and fearmongering for a buck!!!
I will accept your claims that "The Taliban and Al Queida are ABSOLUTELY enemies of freedom..." if you accept the Saudi Arabia Kingdom is ABSOLUTELY enemy of freedom, liberty and democracy. I will not add more dictatorship nations like Qatar, Eypgt, Yemen, Oman, Kuwait,,, etc. Please do not cherry pick like a kid.
Posted by LeFeaoux at 12:32 PM : Apr 17, 2008
You''ve apparently been in a coma the last seven years, and obviously you''re not old enough to remember Reagan''s reign of economic terror or his arming of our three biggest enemies.
There is no doubt in my mind that Bush Jr and Reagan are EASILY the two worst presidents ever.
And 109 historians agree with me on Bush Jr:
http://hnn.us/articles/48916.html
You''''re beyond repair.
Posted by jumkey at 12:45 PM : Apr 17, 2008
Don''t worry Jumkey ... I already ignore ALL your remarks. ;)
Did you know that the vermin in Washington obligated the US to supply Israel with oil if it were needed and that the sick idea of reopening the pipeline from Iraq to Israel...They think it would be a good reward for Israel for supporting our war of aggression against Iraq. They also want YOUR aid to be delivered to them in Euros.
Troops Home Now! Devil take the Middle East!
There is no doubt in my mind that Bush Jr and Reagan are EASILY the two worst presidents ever.
And 109 historians agree with me on Bush Jr:
http://hnn.us/articles/48916.html
Too bad history doesn''t agree with you. Stop reading all that extreme leftist garbage you hunt-out on the internet. It''s rotting your brain! I could write and post anything I want online (i.e. the world is flat and sea monsters guard the coast of China), but that doesn''t necessarily mean what I might write is true.
With Stagflation now in America, ex-President Jimmy Carter now looks better than the current President Bush.
On May 15, 1948, the American President advocated the creation of the State of Israel in the heart of the Moslem middle-east. 2 years later, 4.5 millions Palestinians were forced out of their homes and lands without compensation.
According to a recent report by CNN.com, Anti-Semitics is exploding around the world. I just sit here and wonder why? Personally, I blame only the Zionists inside Israel and America.
Exactly, why create a jewish homeland directly in the middle of Islam. Geezz. Sortoff sounds like another native american story.
Btw,
Did anyone ever think to connect the ricin discovery and Isreal''s massive incursion in the Gaza Strip this past February?
hmmm,, do I smell a distraction event or simply a coincidence. The man is saying he is not sure where the ricin came from. (who planted the ricin?)
TruthSpeak
Get a clue people!
Posted by LeFeaoux at 12:54 PM : Apr 17, 2008
-------------
Actually no, I have just studied Islam (interesting, but not something that I would do) & I have been to Turkey. Not all Islams are people of inquinity, it just ignorant people like you who sterotype them & yes my point of the media attracted to stupid people is most definitly correct.
In just one year.
Remember the election in 2006?
Thought you might like to read the following:
A little over one year ago:
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;
3) The unemployment rate was 4.5%.
Since voting in a Democratic Congress in 2006 we have seen:
1) Consumer confidence plummet;
2) The cost of regular gasoline soar to over $3.50 a gallon;
3) Unemployment up to 5% (a 10% increase);
4) American households have seen $2.3 trillion in equity value evaporate (stock and mutual fund losses);
5) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $1.2 trillion dollars;
6) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.
America voted for change in 2006, and we got it!
Remember it''s Congress that makes law not the President. He has to work with what''s handed to him.
A liberal is a person who will give away everything they don''t own.
Posted by Xalen54 at 01:03 PM : Apr 17, 2008
Like I said: you are just another one of their brainwashed croneys ... do us a favor, go back to Turkey if you think it''s so great!
Posted by LeFeaoux at 01:00 PM : Apr 17, 2008
Ahh right. Gotcha.
You know better than 109 historians - many of whom work in history departments in major universities.
You should concentrate on the following instead of this forum:
So far, there are about 13 Republican Senators that have announced they will not seek re-election in Nov-2008. So far, there are about 21 Republican Congressman/woman in the House of Representative that have announced they will not seek re-election in Nov-2008.
There is a very good possibility that we will have a SUPER-SUPER Majority Congress on 1-Jan-2009.
So, Good-Bye Filibuster and Veto Powers.
Therefore, see you in Heaven starting 20-Jan-2009.
If we had built on this technology and expanded production...there would be millions of electric cars on the roads--NOT USING GASOLINE!! If you are not energy dependent, the rise in gas prices would have been of no consequence. They destroyed that car and stopped production so Americans would be held over a barrel of oil...so you would be paying double for gas...so there would be no alternative!!
Voting for the Demopublican Pig Dogs of the Oligarchy is the same as giving them your blessings for their corruption, their wars, their imbecility...
and a Republican will give to themelves anything left over...
Remember it''''s Congress that makes law not the President. He has to work with what''''s handed to him.
A liberal is a person who will give away everything they don''''t own.
Posted by LeFeaoux at 01:03 PM : Apr 17, 2008
So you''re blaming the democrats for the economic policies of the president, that was voted and approved by the republican led congress and senate BEFORE they left office?
And you expect the democratic led congress to change those failed policies, even though they don''t have a big enough majority to make any legislation veto proof?
So you have ANY IDEA at all of how our political system works, because it sure doesn''t appear that way.
Posted by LeFeaoux at 12:32 PM : Apr 17, 2008
You''''ve apparently been in a coma the last seven years, and obviously you''''re not old enough to remember Reagan''''s reign of economic terror or his arming of our three biggest enemies.
There is no doubt in my mind that Bush Jr and Reagan are EASILY the two worst presidents ever.
And 109 historians agree with me on Bush Jr:
http://hnn.us/articles/48916.html
Posted by hungry1968 at 12:57 PM : Apr 17, 2008"
And you have been brain-dead for your entire life. You have no thoughts other than what your Liberal leaders want you to have. You spew the same lame talking points even after they have been proven disastrously wrong. Open your mind to the REAL world or forever stay a "step-in-line liberal nazi thug".
And you source just happens to be from one of the most leftist Liberal Academic groups in America. Do your homework, you pathetic dumbarse, and not just jump for tabloid headlines.
And you source just happens to be from one of the most leftist Liberal Academic groups in America. Do your homework, you pathetic dumbarse, and not just jump for tabloid headlines.
Posted by DemWatcher at 01:14 PM : Apr 17, 2008
LOL!!!!
I''m not even going to stoop to your pathetic little level to reply to that post!!
It''s so absurd, I just don''t know where to start!!!
Seig Heil little Bushie!!
What is Filibuster and Veto Powers according to the US Constitution?
Posted by DemWatcher
Your post is completely substance free. Nothing but drooling right wing insults and invective.
Got any point to make there skippy?
Posted by hungry1968 at 01:11 PM : Apr 17, 2008"
You''re one to talk. You little, goose-stepping, Liberal lemming. You OBVIOUSLY "ONLY" understand it as far as the Liberal Media teaches you.
Get out of your mommy''s basement once in a while and breath some fresh air. Maybe you can clear your damaged mind before it is too late.
Posted by hungry1968 at 01:15 PM : Apr 17, 2008
The only bush you ever get to see unfortunately.
What president has sent over 4000 US soldiers to die? Going to war over a "dreamed" up weapons of mass destruction threat from Iraq that never existed. Sure the US helped put him in power, but the real reason is Israeli bias in the US government. I say go President Carter, no Apartheid in Palistine!
TruthSpeak
What president has sent over 4000 US soldiers to die? Going to war over a "dreamed" up weapons of mass destruction threat from Iraq that never existed. Sure the US helped put him in power, but the real reason is Israeli bias in the US government. I say go President Carter, no Apartheid in Palistine!
TruthSpeak
Posted by TruthSpeak at 01:20 PM : Apr 17, 2008
Any more DailyKoK readers C.A.R.E to share?
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
...
- 8
- next
See all 367 Comments