Are You Kidding Me, Carter?

In an interview given shortly after meeting with the leader of the terrorist organization, Hamas, for the second time, Jimmy Carter said that Khaled Mashaal had agreed to "live as a neighbor" with Israel, provided it's a Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders. Man, hand me a towel because I, along with everyone else in the US State Department, have pie on my face. Jimmy Carter managed to get Hamas to agree to "live as a neighbor" with Israel.

Wait a minute. There's something disturbingly vague about that statement -"live as a neighbor". For one, it doesn't mention what kind of neighbor. Technically, haven't they been "living as neighbors" for the past 60-odd years? Sure, it hasn't been the most friendly or even peaceful of relationships, but they're still neighbors, right? You could also say that Hitler lived as a neighbor with Austria, Hungary, France, Poland, and the rest of Western Europe.

Basically, Jimmy Carter has gotten Hamas to agree to continue to do what they've always done - terrorism - until Israel is no longer on the map. Well, no - until it's a Palestinian controlled state with pre-1967 borders. Man alive is that Jimmy Carter a tough negotiator. Next time I need to give away the farm while maintaining the allusion of toughness, I've giving Carter a call.

In the same interview, Jimmy said that he would never meet with Al-Qaeda because - this is good - they have no redeeming qualities. Hamas, Jimmy points out, is contributing to a fruitful process (blowing up civilians, namely) and they are recognized by their people. After all, Hamas was elected in a fair election.

Take note, Al-Qaeda - if you would like a visit from a former US President, get yourself involved in a fruitful process. And by that, I mean send one or two of your would-be suicide bombers to be politicians instead. You can still engage in all the fun that terrorism has to offer, but you also have to show a good faith effort by going to a couple meetings and chanting "Death to Israel." Before you know it, good ol' Jimmy Carter will be on your doorstep with a six-pack of Billy Beer and some peanut butter.