Jimmy Carter: “I need your continued friendship and support, your open criticisms when I make mistakes, and your constant prayers.”

Carter says the animosity directed at the president over health care, the big bailouts, is being driven because Mr. Obama is a black man.

All of us owe them our gratitude and respect.

I don't agree with that 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.