Jimmy Carter, who has died aged 100, once famously said that “I am a better ex-president than I was a president.” It was a typically self-deprecating and charming comment, but also one that wasn’t true. His White House years have been reassessed several times over the decades and many former critics have come to view them with more benevolent eyes than they did in the 1980s.
He won the 1976 election, beating incumbent Gerald Ford, despite entering the presidential race as a little-known former governor from Georgia. Ford had presided over America’s months-long bicentennial celebrations earlier that year and later remarked that the “nation’s wounds had healed” in the act of marking the country’s 200th anniversary. In truth, the scar tissue left by the humiliating retreat from Vietnam and the scandal of Watergate was still very evident in US society.
As Carter’s campaign gathered pace through the autumn, it helped in that febrile moment that he was a Washington outsider and, perhaps, the world's most famous former peanut farmer. He carried the popular vote by the narrowest margin, winning 50.1 per cent of the ballot.
His four years in office delivered key diplomatic wins, notably the Camp David Accords, a regional peace deal between Egypt and Israel, and the Salt-II treaty with the Soviet Union to set limitations on nuclear weapons. He was also an early champion of renewables during the energy crisis of the 1970s, placing him decades ahead of his time, and an honest and compassionate leader who sought consensus in government and progressive change in society.
Above all, he exuded the type of dignified and calm leadership people so often yearn for in politicians today, but ultimately, foreign and domestic woes would hasten his departure from Washington DC in 1981.
The US economy stagnated in the late 1970s, which he tried and failed to fix through Congress, but the 39th president was almost certainly undone by the long-running hostage crisis in Tehran and the unsuccessful mission to rescue the 52 Americans held captive by revolutionaries who had earlier stormed the US embassy in Iran.
Above all, he exuded the type of dignified and calm leadership people so often yearn for in politicians today
The power of Ronald Reagan’s charismatic campaign to “make America great again” at home and abroad swept Carter out of office after a single term. Reagan won 44 of the 50 states in the 1980 election with a little under 51 per cent of the popular vote, while the hostages were eventually released minutes after he was sworn into office in January 1981.
After leaving the White House, it would have been easy for Carter to retreat from public life rather than rush towards it, which he did, with vigour.
Carter Centre work
The Carter Centre, which he co-founded in 1982 with his wife Rosalynn, became the hub for his four decades of work following his four years in DC.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and led the centre’s work with energy and purpose.
It is hard to put a number on how many people the Carter Centre has helped since it was established. Its peace programmes have monitored more than 100 elections in 39 countries. The centre works ceaselessly on conflict resolution.
Its health programme has led the fight to eliminate preventable diseases, including Guinea worm and river blindness. The centre’s mental health programme has improved access to treatment, and its mental health journalism fellowship scheme has trained and supported reporters and editors around the world on how to report fairly and accurately in that field.
The National is the Carter Centre’s country partner in mental health journalism in the UAE and it has been my honour to administer the fellowship programme in the Emirates for the past six years.
Carter led a life of devoted service and leaves an enduring legacy.
Long into his nineties, he exhibited a clarity of thought and expression that many of us struggle to find even in our best moments.
The last time I saw him speak was at the Carter Centre in the immediate pre-Covid period when the term “in-person meeting” would have been considered a redundancy.
Carter's legacy
He and Rosalynn, who died in 2023, hosted A Conversation with the Carters and fielded questions from an audience of a few hundred guests in Atlanta.
Even from seats far back in the centre's auditorium it was possible to detect the twinkle in his eyes as he discussed everything from married life – he and Rosalynn wed in 1946 – to the turbulent White House years of Donald Trump, as well as the urgent foreign policy solutions that were required for Iran, Syria, Yemen and North Korea.
On every issue he had a thoughtful and fair perspective. There was neither bitterness nor rancour towards those who succeeded him in Washington DC.
Most presidents end up consumed by the burdens of office when they are in power. So often, too, the post-White House years are a short postscript.
Carter, of course, disrupted that convention, finding fresh spirit and purpose after returning to Georgia and living a long and fulfilling life. He was thoroughly reconciled to the slings and arrows of his presidential years.
As it transpired, his presidency was a mere prelude to one of the most successful and longest running second acts ever in the US. In hindsight, the first act seems very good, too.
The world has lost one of its great post-war western leaders this week and a tireless campaigner for social justice.
Jimmy Carter's life – in pictures
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
UAE SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Adel Al Hosani
Defenders: Bandar Al Ahbabi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Mohammed Barghash, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Hassan Al Mahrami, Yousef Jaber, Salem Rashid, Mohammed Al Attas, Alhassan Saleh
Midfielders: Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Abdullah Al Naqbi, Majed Hassan, Yahya Nader, Ahmed Barman, Abdullah Hamad, Khalfan Mubarak, Khalil Al Hammadi, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Harib Abdallah, Mohammed Jumah, Yahya Al Ghassani
Forwards: Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo, Ali Saleh, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue, Zayed Al Ameri
Hunger and Fury: The Crisis of Democracy in the Balkans
Jasmin Mujanović, Hurst Publishers
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results
2.30pm Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 1,200m
Winner Lamia, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
3pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,000m
Winner Jap Al Afreet, Elione Chaves, Irfan Ellahi.
3.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 1,700m
Winner MH Tawag, Bernardo Pinheiro, Elise Jeanne.
4pm Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 2,000m
Winner Skygazer, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
4.30pm The Ruler of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh250,000 1,700m
Winner AF Kal Noor, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
5pm Sharjah Marathon (PA) Dh70,000 2,700m
Winner RB Grynade, Bernardo Pinheiro, Eric Lemartinel.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
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Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tree of Hell
Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla
Director: Raed Zeno
Rating: 4/5
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
More on animal trafficking
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
More on animal trafficking
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
The bio:
Favourite film:
Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.
Favourite holiday destination:
Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.
Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.
Favourite pastime:
Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.
Heidi: Paddleboarding and swimming.
Personal motto:
Declan: Take chances.
Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.
