From Panama to Palestine, Jimmy Carter refused to let his moral voice be silenced

Former US president Jimmy Carter was widely held in contempt in his own country.

His reputation as a one -term president was crucified in the late 70s by gas lines, Iran ’s taunting seizure of American hostages and a general perception that he lacked the mettle to lead the free world.

In time, he won renewed respect through the myriad works of his Carter Center and efforts to eradicate diseases, mediate conflicts and press brutal regimes to reform.

He used the power of being an ex- US president, who could get the White House on the phone, to confront authoritarian leaders of various stripes.

A Quinnipiac university poll in November 2015 revealed that American voters regarded Carter as having done the best work of any president since leaving office.

In 2006 , he drew a torrent of criticism with a book critical of Israel ’s failure to make peace and end the occupation.

Nelson Mandela asked Carter to become a founder member of the Elders in 2007 .

The former South African president said the organisation of former leaders would use almost 1,000 years of collective experience’ and their political independence to tackle problems that those in power and organisations such as the UN were unable to.

Carter joined Elders delegations to Egypt to press then president Mohamed Morsi for an inclusive, democratic transition’.