Jimmy Carter: “I'd like to begin by paying a special tribute to a group that deserves the praise and support of all Americans, the…”

Our great nation now teeters on the brink of a widening abyss. Without immediate action, we are at genuine risk of civil conflict and losing our precious democracy.

The title was very carefully chosen by me. And the first word is the most important. It's Palestine. The land of the Palestinians. It doesn't refer to Israel at all.

I think that sends a clear signal to Maliki that we won't be there indefinitely and my hope is that they'll be a commitment by the world community including the controversial nations of Syria and Iran.

This is a very wise and very courageous thing for President Obama to do. And in my opinion, is long overdue.