Nation: Slippery Comparisons

The language of diplomacy wisely shuns analogies. In a supposedly off-the-record session with newsmen, Jimmy Carter was reported by the New York Times to have likened the Palestinian problem to the "civil rights movement here in the United States."

Though Carter actually was only comparing two issues, and the emotions involved, the reaction was swift and furious. "Carter's suggestion that the Palestine Liberation Organization is akin to civil rights is the worst insult he could level at Americans trying to achieve true equality," charged Arnold Forster, general counsel of the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith. In Israel, already worried over a...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!