On Friday, former U.S. President
Jimmy Carter published an op-ed piece in the
New York Times. His goal is to suggest ways to end the
crisis in Syria. The
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate has been instrumental in facilitating peace around the world, including the historic
Camp David Accords, a treaty between Egypt and Israel. The two countries are still at peace with each other - 37 years later.
Here are some excerpts from President Carter's editorial:
Iran outlined a general four-point sequence several months ago, consisting of a cease-fire, formation of a unity government, constitutional reforms and elections. Working through the United Nations Security Council and utilizing a five-nation proposal, some mechanism could be found to implement these goals.
The involvement of Russia and Iran is essential. Mr. Assad’s only concession in four years of war was giving up chemical weapons, and he did so only under pressure from Russia and Iran. Similarly, he will not end the war by accepting concessions imposed by the West, but is likely to do so if urged by his allies.
Mr. Assad’s governing authority could then be ended in an orderly process, an acceptable government established in Syria, and a concerted effort could then be made to stamp out the threat of the Islamic State.
President Carter goes on to say "the needed concessions are not from the combatants in Syria," but from nations that claim to want peace and are refusing to cooperate with one another.
Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, is the founder of the Carter Center, created with former First Lady Roslynn Carter in 1982. Recently diagnosed with cancer at age 91, President Carter is showing no signs of letting up on his efforts to make the world a better place.
A new Facebook page called, Honoring Jimmy Carter, has been created to pay tribute to President Carter and his lifetime achievements as one of the greatest peacemakers and humanitarians of our time. Here is the link to the Honoring Jimmy Carter on Facebook.
Read full editorial: NewYorkTimes.com