This book excites some extraordinary virulent comments. I suppose it is the topic and the fact that JC was president. In fact, it is quite dull. Mr. Carter's insights are somewhat shallow at times - e.g. that Hafez al-Assad was well-spoken. The facts as presented seem straight-forward to me. I have read some other books by President Carter and enjoyed them much more - especially one whose title I can't remember about his gubernatorial campaign. ( )

A bit too wishy-washy for my tastes but Carter's book provides a framework for criticizing Israel's occupation amenable to the US mainstream. It is depressing that this book is 16 years old with no sign of an equitable outcome for the Palestinians. ( )

For a long time it has seen to me that both sides in this conflict carry the blame, not just the Palestinians. And it's frequently seemed to me that the Israeli response to any attack on their people is disproportionate. I can see why this book was considered controversial - it doesn't portray the Israeli government in a good light, and it shows that the Palestinians have some legitimate grievances and important needs. I commend President Carter's courage in writing this book. ( )

This book is dead honest. It's a must read if you are interested in the Palestinian quest for freedom. It's not a road map nor is it a solution but it's consideration of what is sustainable. The Palestinian people deserve to be free to live a life free of segregation and oppression and this book highlights in simple terms what it means to replace an increasing moral decay, brought by decades of Zionist ideology and brainwash, with a peace. Co-existence in which ever form IS possible but it is only possible when the Zionist apartheid regime is replaced with a government that promotes a radical change in the way Israeli view or should view their brothers and sisters the Palestinians. And that would be the first small step in a giant leap towards a reconciliation that certainly doesn't need any more water under the bridge.
Jimmy Carter is the only honourable president the USA has ever had. He's not the best writer but his heart is in the right place. He has shared his thoughts and views and facts about one of the most pressing political and humanitarian issues of our time, the freedom for the Palestinians and the end of the apartheid in Israel. ( )

"The former president, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, offers an assessment of
what must be done to bring permanent peace to Israel with dignity and justice
to Palestine. President Carter, who was able to negotiate peace between Israel
and Egypt, has remained deeply involved in Middle East affairs since leaving
the White House. He has stayed in touch with the major players from all sides
in the conflict and has made numerous trips to the Holy Land, most recently as
an observer in the Palestinian elections of 2005 and 2006. In this book Carter
shares his intimate knowledge of the history of the Middle East and his
personal experiences with the principal actors, and he addresses sensitive
political issues many American officials avoid. Pulling no punches, Carter
prescribes steps that must be taken for the two states to share the Holy Land
without a system of apartheid of the constant fear of terrorism." --jacket