Barran Press
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday, December 29, 2024, as reported by American media. Carter's death marks the end of a life filled with significant events and contributions that continued long after he left the White House.
A member of the Democratic Party, Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981 after defeating Republican President Gerald Ford in the 1976 election. However, he failed to secure a second term, suffering a crushing defeat to Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, a former actor and California governor.
Carter's presidency was marked by numerous domestic and international crises that significantly contributed to his failure to win re-election. After leaving the White House, his name became synonymous with relentless peace efforts, from the Middle East to Africa, Bosnia, and Tibet.
The Middle East was a focal point of Carter's foreign policy. The Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, were among his administration's most notable achievements. His role in facilitating a peace agreement in Bosnia was also a significant milestone in his post-presidential career, along with his peace efforts in various global conflict zones.
Hostage Crisis
Carter, the 39th president of the United States, faced a diplomatic setback during his single term with the Iran hostage crisis. On November 4, 1979, Iranian revolutionaries loyal to Ayatollah Khomeini stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, taking Americans hostage and demanding the return of the deposed Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was receiving medical treatment in the U.S.
Initially, the American public rallied behind Carter, but support waned in April 1980 when a special forces raid to rescue the hostages failed, resulting in the deaths of eight American soldiers in an Iranian desert plane crash. The crisis became a stain on Carter's presidency, with Iran releasing the 52 hostages minutes after Reagan's inauguration on January 20, 1981.
Humble Beginnings
Born in 1924 in the rural town of Plains, Georgia, Carter was the son of a farmer and a nurse who joined the Peace Corps at 68, spending two years working in India. Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis and served seven years as a submarine officer before returning home to manage the family farm after his father's death.
Carter quickly became involved in local politics, serving in the Georgia State Senate before becoming governor in 1970. His upbringing as a high school basketball star, devout Christian, and farmer's son shaped his political philosophy.
In 1974, Carter launched his presidential campaign, promising to restore trust in government in the wake of the Watergate scandal and President Richard Nixon's resignation. His campaign slogan, "Trust in Government," pledged honesty and transparency, though it sometimes led to political missteps. Despite his open political style, Carter's personality was seen as complex, and he was considered an unconventional president, often wearing jeans and jogging in the White House gardens.
Carter's popularity declined during his first two years in office as he struggled with economic inflation, unemployment, and the energy crisis, compounded by the Iran and Afghanistan crises. His efforts to address the energy crisis faced resistance from the American public.
However, Carter's Middle East peace initiative was a notable success. He patiently brought Egypt and Israel to the negotiating table, culminating in the signing of the Camp David Accords 1978.
Post-Presidency
After leaving the White House, Carter continued his peace efforts, mediating conflicts in China, Africa, and Bosnia. He founded the Carter Center in Atlanta, which became a hub for conflict resolution and disease control initiatives. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work.
Advocate for Human Rights
Carter was a staunch advocate for civil rights, gun control, same-sex marriage, and the abolition of the death penalty. He criticized U.S. policies, particularly during George W. Bush's presidency, and condemned the treatment of Guantanamo detainees and the Iraq invasion.
Modest Life
Unlike many former presidents, Carter led a modest life post-presidency. He refused lucrative offers for speeches and corporate positions, choosing instead to live humbly with his wife Rosalynn in Georgia. In 2018, they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.
Carter's legacy is one of dedication to peace, human rights, and humility, leaving an indelible mark on American and global history.