Jimmy Carter, who passed away yesterday, is being commended for his global peace efforts and conflict resolution initiatives. Praise largely focuses on his post-presidency contributions, although Chinese President Xi Jinping lauded Carter for aiding the normalization of US-China relations and fostering friendship between the nations.
Xi expressed deep sorrow over Carter’s passing. President Biden recognized Carter’s role as a peace-maker by granting him a state funeral, scheduled for January 9.
During Carter’s presidency, the Cold War heated up rather than cooled down. When Carter took office, Cold War détente was at a peak, but by the time he left, US-Soviet tensions had resurged.
Carter aimed to balance improved Soviet relations and nuclear disarmament with advocating for Eastern European freedom and criticizing Soviet human rights abuses. His administration saw contrasting figures: Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, a pro-détente “dove,” and National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, a “hawk” supporting dissidents and stronger US military posture.
Despite securing the SALT II nuclear arms agreement with the Soviet Union in 1979, Carter refrained from seeking congressional ratification following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The incursion spurred Carter’s doctrine to protect Persian Gulf interests militarily if necessary.
He ceased grain and technology exports to the USSR, bolstered the US military, and led a boycott of the Moscow Olympics. Carter also authorized CIA support for Afghan mujahedeen, aiding their resistance against Soviet forces.
However, this decision inadvertently laid the groundwork for the Taliban’s rise and provided a sanctuary for al-Qaeda’s Osama bin Laden, leading to the 9/11 attacks.
Source: NOS