World
Jimmy Carter obituary: A great ex-president who struggled in the White House | World | News
[ad_1]
Jimmy Carter was the 39th president of the United States (Image: Getty)
Described by the Queen Mother as the only man since her husband “to have had the effrontery to kiss me on the lips”, Jimmy Carter’s presidency was never far from controversy.
Her Majesty would later recall how the moment – just months after he was sworn in as US leader – caused her to take “a sharp step backwards, although not far enough”.
It was just one of the numerous mishaps that plagued Carter during his ill-fated time in the White House.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner died this afternoon after living out his final months in his hometown.
Confirming his death, the Carter Centre posted on X: “Our founder, former US President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia.”
Following his death at 100, the outpouring of tributes to America’s 39th leader showed the depth of affection felt more for what he did after his presidency than during it.
Don’t miss… Former US president Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100 [LATEST]
Jimmy Carter had been in hospice care since 2023 (Image: Getty)
Before his death today, Carter defied illness and death for years.
When his melanoma spread to his brain in 2015, he drew praise for announcing it publicly.
Even as he underwent treatment, he continued to teach Sunday school in his home town’s Baptist church. Within months, he announced that he was cancer-free.
Four years later, Carter fell at least three times, at one point breaking a hip and at another requiring 14 stitches. Each time he bounced back, even showing up for a Habitat for Humanity home-building project shortly after one stumble.
But he has slowly retreated from public life lately, making fewer and fewer appearances or statements and was unable to attend President Biden’s inauguration in January 2021.
However, he lived long enough to outlast two presidents who followed him and his own vice president, Walter Mondale.
He became the longest-living president in March 2019 when he passed former President George H.W. Bush, who died four months before.
Although Carter, nicknamed Jimmy Cardigan after once wearing a jumper for a televised speech, left the White House after one of the biggest landslide defeats of the modern era, he was one of very few US leaders to be memorialised while still alive.
He married his wife Rosalynn in 1946 and stayed together until her death in 1923 (Image: Getty)
The evolution of his legacy was unusual as he had such a long period between the end of his unpopular presidency and the announcement at the weekend that he would undergo no further treatment to die peacefully at his home.
Carter’s time in the White House was marred by his struggles to respond to formidable challenges, including a major energy crisis, high inflation, and unemployment.
He took office after Gerald Ford left the entire US government in disarray. Carter entered the Oval Office facing mounting challenges – an energy crisis, Soviet aggression and, above all, a deep mistrust of leadership by voters.
In foreign affairs, he reopened US relations with China and tried to broker peace in the historic Arab-Israeli conflict, but was damaged late in his term by a hostage crisis in Iran.
Carter’s diagnosis of America’s “crisis of confidence” did little to boost his flagging popularity, and in 1980 he was defeated in the general election by Ronald Reagan.
Over the following decades, Carter built a distinguished career as a diplomat, humanitarian and author, pursuing conflict resolution in countries around the globe. He was awarded the Noble Peace Prize in 2002 “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”
President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man. https://t.co/dZHL0Nu0Tj
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 29, 2024
Born in Plains, Georgia, in October 1924, Carter attended the US Naval Academy graduating in 1946.
Already, he had a solid moral compass installed in him by his nurse mother, “Miz” Lillian.
She set an example for her son by crossing the strict lines of segregation in 1920s Georgia to counsel poor African American women on health care.
Shortly after passing out of the navy, he married Rosalynn Smith, having four children together.
But tragedy struck in July 1953 as while he was preparing to serve as an engineering officer on the submarine Seawolf, his father, Earl, died from cancer.
Carter returned home and was able to rebuild his family’s struggling peanut warehouse business after a crippling drought. Ironically the legume became the symbol of his presidential campaign.
Active in community affairs and a deacon at the Plains Baptist Church, he launched his political career with a seat on his local board of education.
In 1962, he won the election to the Georgia State Senate as a Democrat, running for the governor’s office four years later, finishing a disappointing third.
The loss sent Carter into a depression, which he overcame by finding renewed faith as a born-again Christian.
He ran again for the governorship in 1970 and won. A year later, Carter was featured on the cover of Time magazine as one of a new breed of young political leaders in the South, known for their moderate racial views and progressive economic and social policies.
Initially, Carter was a political phenomenon, a new-generation Democrat who, after a single term as governor of the Peach State, shocked the political world by beating a host of better-known rivals to capture his party’s presidential nomination in 1976. A year later, he would oust the incumbent Republican president, Ford.
Over four years in office, he sought to restore trust in government following the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, ushering in reforms meant to transform politics.
He mediated the historic Camp David Accords, making peace between Israel and Egypt, an agreement that remains the foundation of Middle East relations.
His presidency was besieged by domestic inflation and global tensions (Image: Getty)
His defeat to Ronald Reagan in 1980 remains one of the most humbling in American history (Image: Getty)
But a sour economy, rocketing inflation, and a 444-day hostage crisis in Iran where 52 American diplomats were held captive undercut his public support. Ultimately, it cost him his re-election bid, losing to Ronald Reagan in 1980.
Carter spent his post-presidency, however, on a series of philanthropic causes around the world, like building houses for the poor, combating disease, promoting human rights in places of repression, monitoring elections and seeking to end conflicts.
His work as a former president in many ways came to eclipse his time in the White House, eventually earning him the Nobel Peace Prize and rehabilitating his image in the eyes of many Americans.
“Between the time he left office and entered hospice care, he got to sit back and enjoy the adulation of a grateful nation,” Jeffrey Engel, the director for the presidential history centre at Southern Methodist University, said.
“The passage of time smoothed out the rough edges of his political career.
“If Carter had died in 1982, there would be less adulation than he is receiving right now.”
Jimmy Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 (Image: Getty)
Joseph Crespino, the Jimmy Carter Professor of History at Emory University, called his resilience “remarkable.”
“Instead of sulking about not winning the second term, he used his influence and prominence from his position in politics to help millions of people and win the Nobel Peace Prize,” he said.
When asked about regrets, Carter spoke of his in his autobiography “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety.”
The former president said he was upset by how his kiss with the Queen Mother was portrayed.
He wrote how he didn’t regret puckering up to Her Majesty, describing it as “lightly on the cheek” as the pair said goodnight after dinner at Buckingham Place in May 1977.
However, much like his presidency, its impact never left those affected most by his actions.
To her dying day, the Queen Mother had two hates, as detailed in her 2009 biography – oysters and being kissed by a US president.
[ad_2]
Source link
[ad_1]
Sian Irving was on holiday with partner Jack to celebrate his birthday (Image: SWNS)
A woman has claimed she had her appendix mistakenly removed after falling ill while on holiday in Egypt. Sian Irving, 29, travelled to Sharm El Sheikh with her partner Jack Jackson, 29, to celebrate his birthday on what was supposed to be a 10-day break.
Halfway through the £2,000 holiday, Sian developed severe stomach pain, vomiting and a temperature of 41 degrees. Sian, from Paignton, Devon, claims doctors initially suspected appendicitis and removed her appendix before she eventually returned to the UK for further treatment.
Mum of two Sian said: “It started slowly. I began feeling really hot, and then the stomach pains came.
Sian developed severe stomach pain, vomiting and a temperature (Image: SWNS)
“The pain was unbelievable. It felt like my insides were being stabbed and ripped apart at the same time. I was vomiting constantly and whimpering like a little kid because it hurt so much.”
She claims doctors in the UK said she didn’t need her appendix removed and her illness was most likely caused by food poisoning.
Sian now says she has been left living with colitis, a condition which causes inflammation of the large intestine. She said she also struggles to eat many everyday foods such as chocolate.
The mum said: “They did scans and said they couldn’t really see anything. At first they thought it might be gas and then they told me it was appendicitis.
“My temperature stayed at 41 degrees and they were putting wet cloths over me trying to cool me down.”
Sian, from Paignton in Devon, claims doctors suspected appendicitis (Image: SWNS)
The couple had travelled to Egypt in September 2025. Sian said she spent four to five days in hospital in Sharm El Sheikh before eventually being allowed to fly home.
She said: “At one point, I was told I could die if my condition didn’t improve. After the surgery, I still had the same symptoms.
“I’d been in Egypt for a long time by then, and eventually they said I needed to go back to the UK. I can’t believe they took my appendix out, it’s left me in constant pain and also I hate my stomach now – I have no confidence anymore.”
Sian and Jack returned to the UK on October 5, six days after they were supposed to return home.
After returning to Britain, Sian was admitted to Exeter Hospital where she spent five nights undergoing further tests and treatment.
She said doctors diagnosed her with ongoing colitis and treated her with intravenous antibiotics and steroids.
Sian said: “I’m getting a little better now, but it’s been really difficult.”
Looking back on her ordeal, Sian said the holiday she hoped would create happy memories instead changed her life forever.
She said: “I still have the scar and I still have the condition. I never imagined to have all of this.
“It’s nearly a year later, and I’m still dealing with it every single day.”
Sharm El Sheik International Hospital did not respond to a request for comment.
[ad_2]
Source link
Bangladesh
Prime Minister’s First Foreign Visit: A Diplomatic Success or a Story of Unfinished Expectations?
Putrajaya, Malaysia: Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chose Malaysia for his first official foreign visit after assuming office, making the trip a significant test of the new government’s foreign policy priorities, economic agenda, and commitment to the interests of millions of Bangladeshis living and working abroad.
From the red-carpet reception at the Perdana Putra Complex in Putrajaya to high-level bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the visit carried strong diplomatic symbolism. Yet beyond the ceremony and official statements, one key question remains: What did Bangladesh actually gain from this visit?
A New Chapter in Bilateral Relations
According to the Joint Statement issued after the meeting, both leaders expressed a strong commitment to elevating Bangladesh-Malaysia relations to a new level. The decision to revive long-pending bilateral mechanisms, including the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) and Bilateral Consultations (BC), signals renewed diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
Political observers view the visit as a clear indication that the new Bangladeshi government intends to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia and expand its regional influence.
Labour Market: High Expectations, Limited Immediate Gains
For the large Bangladeshi community in Malaysia, labour migration was arguably the most anticipated issue of the visit.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged Malaysia to recruit more Bangladeshi workers, regularize undocumented migrants where possible, and consider the repatriation of detained Bangladeshis.
However, the outcome fell short of expectations for many migrant workers.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that while Malaysia continues to require foreign workers, future approvals would depend on verified employer demand and government policy. He also stressed the importance of protecting workers’ rights, welfare, and dignity, acknowledging concerns over labour exploitation and abuse.
The two countries agreed to improve transparency, fairness, and competitiveness in the recruitment process and to convene a Joint Working Group (JWG) to draft a new labour agreement. Nevertheless, no new labour quota or timeline for reopening large-scale recruitment was announced.
For many Bangladeshis in Malaysia, that remains the biggest unanswered question from the visit.
Free Trade Agreement: A Potential Game Changer
One of the most promising outcomes of the visit was the progress toward the Malaysia-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (MBFTA).
Both governments expressed their commitment to concluding negotiations by 2027, potentially creating a comprehensive trade framework that could significantly increase bilateral commerce.
Bangladesh is currently Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia, and both leaders emphasized the importance of expanding trade and investment flows between the two countries.
If successfully implemented, the agreement could open new opportunities for Bangladeshi exports, including garments, halal products, agricultural goods, and technology services.
Source: Facebook / Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Digital Economy and Semiconductors: Looking Toward the Future
The visit also highlighted emerging areas of cooperation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), fintech, cybersecurity, digital governance, and semiconductor industries.
Malaysia is a globally recognized hub for semiconductor packaging, testing, and assembly. Bangladesh proposed a talent development framework that would connect its growing pool of engineering graduates with Malaysia’s advanced semiconductor ecosystem.
Experts believe such cooperation could create high-skilled employment opportunities and position Bangladesh more strongly within regional technology supply chains.
Energy and Investment Opportunities
Energy cooperation featured prominently in the discussions.
Bangladesh invited Malaysian companies to invest in offshore oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal, mineral extraction projects, and renewable energy development.
Both countries also emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between PETRONAS and PetroBangla in LNG supply and infrastructure development.
While these initiatives hold significant potential, their success will depend on how quickly they are translated into actual investments and projects.
Halal Industry: Unlocking a Growing Global Market
Bangladesh also sought to benefit from Malaysia’s globally recognized expertise in the halal industry.
The two countries agreed to expand cooperation in halal certification, regulatory frameworks, training, research, innovation, and institutional capacity building.
Source: Facebook / Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Given the rapid growth of the global halal economy, this could become a valuable area of future economic cooperation.
ASEAN Ambitions Receive Encouragement
Bangladesh has long sought closer engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
During the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reiterated Bangladesh’s desire to obtain ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner status. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Bangladesh’s interest and pledged Malaysia’s constructive support within the ASEAN framework.
Diplomatic analysts consider this one of the most strategically important outcomes of the visit.
Source: Facebook / Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim
Shared Positions on Rohingya and Palestine
The leaders also discussed regional and global issues, including the Rohingya crisis and developments in the Middle East.
Malaysia reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s humanitarian efforts in hosting displaced Rohingyas and reiterated its commitment to a safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation process.
Both leaders also reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people and called for continued diplomatic efforts toward a just and lasting peace in the region.
Observers say, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s first foreign visit did not produce immediate breakthroughs in labour recruitment or major financial commitments. However, it established a framework for deeper cooperation in trade, technology, investment, energy, education, defence, and regional diplomacy.
The visit may ultimately be remembered not for what was achieved immediately, but for the doors it opened for future collaboration.
The real measure of success will depend on whether the commitments outlined in the Joint Statement can be translated into tangible results in the months and years ahead.
PUTRAJAYA, June 23: Malaysia and Bangladesh have agreed to work closely to address the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis, with both countries pledging to engage Myanmar through ASEAN mechanisms in pursuit of a lasting solution.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Putrajaya, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the two nations would cooperate to improve the situation of Rohingya refugees currently living in Bangladesh and Malaysia.
He said efforts would include diplomatic engagement with Myanmar authorities through ASEAN channels and discussions led by the respective foreign ministries to facilitate the safe and sustainable return of displaced Rohingya people.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman thanked Malaysia for its continued support of the safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. He also expressed concern over the prolonged humanitarian burden faced by Bangladesh, which hosts more than one million Rohingya refugees.
During the meeting, Tarique also highlighted Bangladesh’s interest in expanding regional cooperation by seeking closer engagement with ASEAN. He expressed Bangladesh’s desire to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner and to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Myanmar nationals represent the largest refugee population in Malaysia, including 193,824 Rohingya, 15,774 Chin refugees and 33,002 individuals from other ethnic communities.
The discussions reflect growing regional efforts to address one of Southeast Asia’s most pressing humanitarian challenges while strengthening Malaysia-Bangladesh bilateral relations.
PM leaves Malaysia for China wrapping up two-day visit
UK mum’s appendix ‘wrongly’ removed after she falls ill in Egypt | UK | News
Prime Minister’s First Foreign Visit: A Diplomatic Success or a Story of Unfinished Expectations?
Kyiv: Russia’s Black Sea ships ‘are now legitimate targets’ | World | News
Bangladesh Gains International Recognition for a New Technique in Spay Surgery
