It's another historical travesty and tragedy. The sadly naive and confused Nobel 'Peace Prize' Committee seems to wallow in such every time it deals with matters Middle Eastern. Just think back, for instance, to other past recipients from Menachem Begin to Yasser Arafat to General Rabin. How fitting in retrospect that the 'Oslo Peace Process', now known in some quarters as 'the Oslo war', springs from the same not very unsophisticated roots.

However well-meaning Jimmy Carter may have been then and now; judged by his actions, misrepresentations, and political cowardice, rather than by his apparently heartfelt rhetoric, Carter's involvement in matters Middle Eastern was tragic, at best. Indeed, to award such a 'peace prize' to Carter in the midst of the terrible circumstances faced by the Palestinians, the upcoming American/Israeli war for regional control, and the simmering 'Clash of Civilizations' is a historical travesty, at best. It was in fact Carter's policies, and lack of political fortitude at the crucial times this was needed, that lead directly to the assassination of his friend, President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, then to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, then to the rise of the Reagan/Bush era, the great expansion of Israeli settlements, the Intifada, and yes to 9/11 and the events of our own day.

For the necessary historical background to what really happened at Camp David in 1978 -- the political framework which has provided the backdrop and excuse for what the Israelis and Americans have done since -- read the exclusive interview by Mark Bruzonsky with Egyptian's Foreign Minister who resigned at the 1978 Camp David talks -- http://www.middleeast.org/mab/mab4.htm

At the time of Camp David Ibrahim Kamel was not only Egypt's Foreign Minister. He was also the long-time confidant and friend of Anwar Sadat, going back some fourty years. His resignation was one of principle and historical insight. And this exclusive and extensive interview conducted a few years later in Cairo by Mark Bruzonsky has insights and lessons of considerable significance.

At the time of Camp David Mark Bruzonsky was the Washington Representative of the World Jewish Congress and the assistant to Philip Klutznick, probably the most importaant Jewish leader at the time, the only man to be both President of the World Jewish Congress, B'nai B'rith International, and soon Carter's Secretary of Commerce.

Mid-East Realities

www.middleeast.org

Source: http://www.middleeast.org/articles/2002/12/782.htm