Rabat — Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th President for the United States, died at the age of 100 on Sunday.
Carter served as president from 1977 and 1981. He was known for his emphasis on human rights in US foreign policy and his role in brokering the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel.
The accords convened the two countries’ former presidents to sign a peace agreement on the White House lawn. Despite the agreement, relations between Israel and Egypt have witnessed tensions. The agreement was notably controversial for dealing with the land under Palestine without the participation of Palestinian leaders, a move that was condemned by the UN and has led to many consequences in regional politics.
However, unique among his predecessors, many recall Carter as standing out as a US president that actively advocated for Palestinian rights. The former president notably wrote his book “Peace Not Apartheid,” in 2006 in which he called out Israel for their destruction of Palestinian land with their illegal settlements.
Carter was also influential in ushering the SALT II nuclear weapons agreement under his term as well as the Panama Canal treaties.
Reports have defined the most difficult challenge during Carter’s time as president to be the Iran hostage crisis, when militants stormed the US embassy in Iran in 1979 taking dozens of Americans hostage.
During Carter’s time, th USalso experienced difficulties domestically, including with the energy crisis and inflation.
He is known for his “malaise” speech, where he acknowledged these challenges.
“It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper – deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation or recession. And I realize more than ever that as president, I need your help,” he said in the renowned remarks.
Carter is also known for his service with the Habitat for Humanity construction NGO, where he continued to volunteer his entire life.
Carter’s life of service continued after he left office. After his presidency, Carter established a center which monitored international elections and advocated for public health across the world.
Many are honoring Carter since his passing, recalling his humanity and strength.
US President Joe Biden said in a statement yesterday that Carter “stands as a model of what it means to live a life of meaning and purpose, a life of principles of faith and humility. His life is dedicated to others.”
President-elect Donald Trump also offered his condolences, saying that Carter has his “highest respect” although he strongly “disagreed with him philosophically and politically.”
Several former presidents also remembered Carter on Sunday, including Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
Carter’s legacy will live on withinhis home state of Atlanta as well as Washington DC.
Reports say a private funeral in Carter’s hometown of Plains, Georgia will follow.
