Jimmy Carter honored by Palestinians

Carter met with both fatah and Hamas. In the west bank Carter was awarded the Palestinian international award for excellence and creativity. Carter has famously argued that unless Hamas is brought into the dialogue for peace, there will be no peace.

This award will no doubt confirm to them what many of Carter's detractors already believe - that he is biased against Israel and in bed with terrorists. This is of course pure nonsesne. Jimmy Carter is one of the most important voiced on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, and it is high time some current members of the United States took the former President more seriously.

As he was given his award, Carter pledged himself to work for the rights of Palestinian people and peace for them and Israel until the day he dies. The former president also said that President Obama has done right to demand a settlement freeze, but now must go further and call for the dismantling of current settlements; Carter believes that Obama eventually will make this cal.

This is a fine moment for President Carter and more the possibility of mid-east peace. The Jerusalem post recently reported that many Palestinians feel like President Obama is less biased toward Israel and more sensitive to the Palestinians than previous presidents. Many Palestinians feel that they have a "friend in the White House." If Obama can keep this image up (and the reality I hope!) then two prominent americans, Obama and Carter, will be seen as deeply concerned with Palestinian right and freedoms. This an only help America's image in the middle east.