MER - Jimmy Carter Says Newspapers Ignoring Book -- Or Hitting It As 'Anti-Israel'

<body bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> At his advanced age and already talking about where he will be buried -- i.e., his legacy -- the former naive President is following Judeo/Christian tradition and atoning for his mistakes. After all it was Jimmy Carter whose serious missteps in office helped propel the Middle East in the direction of the chaos and hatred that is today exploding throughout the region. Even so...by using the word "Apartheid" in the title of his book, Carter has gone further in truth-telling than many expected, and along with Professors Mearsheimer and Walt, has opened up in 2006 a new front in the political wars within the U.S. and between the U.S. and Israel.<br><br><br> <br><br>NEW YORK Former President Jimmy Carter's new book is an instant bestseller and also something of a lightning rod. "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid," published last month by Simon & Shuster, has drawn praise as well as considerable criticism from pundits and reviewers who claim it is "anti-Israel."<br><br>Carter, in return, has charged that the media is unwilling to tackle criticism of Israel, and essentially is biased in this area. <br><br><br>The ultimate purpose of my book is to present facts about the Middle East that are largely unknown in America, to precipitate discussion and to help restart peace talks (now absent for six years) that can lead to permanent peace for Israel and its neighbors. Another hope is that Jews and other Americans who share this same goal might be motivated to express their views, even publicly, and perhaps in concert. I would be glad to help with that effort.<b on></b> </body>