Former President Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away at 100, left a complicated foreign policy legacy extending far beyond his single term in the White House. While his presidency is often associated with the Iran hostage crisis, Carter's impact on global affairs continued for decades, marked by both significant achievements and controversial interventions.

Key Diplomatic Achievements:

Carter's time in office saw the historic Camp David Accords, which brokered peace between Israel and Egypt. This landmark agreement, signed in 1979, reshaped the political landscape of the Middle East. Additionally, Carter formally re-established relations with China after decades of estrangement, a move with far-reaching implications for global diplomacy and trade.

The historic handshake: Sadat, Carter, and Begin seal the Egypt-Israel peace treaty.

Post-Presidency Interventions:

After leaving office, Carter remained actively involved in international affairs, often inserting himself into sensitive diplomatic situations. In 1994, during a nuclear standoff between the U.S. and North Korea, Carter independently negotiated a framework for a peace agreement, a move that blindsided the Clinton administration. While potentially averting immediate conflict, Carter's actions sparked controversy and raised questions about the role of former presidents in international diplomacy.

Carter's visit to North Korea in 1994: A diplomatic tightrope walk.

Carter's involvement in the Middle East also continued after his presidency. He cultivated a relationship with PLO leader Yasser Arafat, offering advice on how to present a more moderate image to the West. During the first Gulf War, Carter urged Arab nations to oppose U.S. intervention, drawing criticism for potentially undermining American foreign policy. Later, his meeting with Hamas, a designated terrorist group, sparked a public rebuke from the Bush administration.

Carter in Gaza: A continued focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Carter's post-presidency actions often reflected his deeply held beliefs about human rights and peace, but his interventions sometimes generated controversy and strained relations with sitting administrations. His legacy remains a complex mix of notable achievements and contentious decisions, prompting ongoing debate about his place in American foreign policy history.