President Carter's Leadership
His Speech
Carter was absolutely astonished that any government would allow such unprecedented violence. "This violation is not only the most fundamental precepts on international law but the common ethical and religious heritage of humanity". (Jimmy Carter, 1980) Carter stated that there is no religion that condones kidnapping or blackmail or abuse of innocent people. He and other officials were deeply concerned about the inhuman and degrading conditions imposed on the hostages. He also stated that from many corners of the world they are revolting against the terrorist acts of Iran. He felt that it was his personal duty to make sure that the hostages come back safe and unharmed.
Carter was absolutely astonished that any government would allow such unprecedented violence. "This violation is not only the most fundamental precepts on international law but the common ethical and religious heritage of humanity". (Jimmy Carter, 1980) Carter stated that there is no religion that condones kidnapping or blackmail or abuse of innocent people. He and other officials were deeply concerned about the inhuman and degrading conditions imposed on the hostages. He also stated that from many corners of the world they are revolting against the terrorist acts of Iran. He felt that it was his personal duty to make sure that the hostages come back safe and unharmed.
His Letter
Midway through the crisis, Carter sent a letter to Ayatollah regarding the crisis and relations between the two countries. The deliverers of the letter were Ramsey Clark and William G. Miller. In the letter he asks Ayatollah to release the hostages in the name of the American people. Carter used the letter in hopes of discussing the situations between the Iran and the US since Ayatollah had previously cut off all communication between the two. He asked him to release the prisoners unharmed and without delay. He also mentions to do so by recognizing the compelling humanitarian reasons and firmly based international law. Finally, he talked about how the people of the US desire to have relations with Iran based upon equality, mutual respect, and friendship.
Midway through the crisis, Carter sent a letter to Ayatollah regarding the crisis and relations between the two countries. The deliverers of the letter were Ramsey Clark and William G. Miller. In the letter he asks Ayatollah to release the hostages in the name of the American people. Carter used the letter in hopes of discussing the situations between the Iran and the US since Ayatollah had previously cut off all communication between the two. He asked him to release the prisoners unharmed and without delay. He also mentions to do so by recognizing the compelling humanitarian reasons and firmly based international law. Finally, he talked about how the people of the US desire to have relations with Iran based upon equality, mutual respect, and friendship.