Former U.S. President Carter Passes Away at 100, Oversaw U.S.-Taiwan Diplomatic Break During Tenure | WPN World People News

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away on the 29th at his home in Georgia, reaching the remarkable age of 100. Earlier this year, on October 1, he celebrated his centennial birthday, becoming the first U.S. president in history to reach this milestone. During his presidency, Carter announced the severance of diplomatic ties with the Republic of China (Taiwan) and faced the Iran hostage crisis, which led to his defeat in his reelection campaign. However, his tenure also saw significant achievements, including brokering peace between Israel and Egypt through the Camp David Accords. In 2002, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian efforts.

Carter served as president from 1977 to 1981. In 1979, he announced the termination of diplomatic relations with Taiwan and established formal ties with the People's Republic of China, significantly impacting U.S.-Taiwan relations. That same year, Carter approved the admission of the ousted, pro-American Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, sparking a crisis when Iranian militants seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held 52 hostages for 444 days. The "Iran Hostage Crisis" exacerbated Carter's political challenges and was a key factor in his loss to Republican candidate Ronald Reagan in the 1980 presidential election, alongside issues such as the energy crisis and inflation.

After leaving office, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, founded the Carter Center in 1982 to promote peace, human rights, and socio-economic development. Carter became actively involved in international mediation efforts, easing tensions between the U.S. and North Korea, persuading Haiti's military government to step down peacefully, and facilitating a temporary ceasefire during the Yugoslav Wars. These contributions solidified his reputation as a model former president in the eyes of many Americans.

Carter, who had been battling cancer, spent his final two years receiving hospice care at his home in Georgia. His wife, Rosalynn, passed away last November after 77 years of marriage, a partnership celebrated as a political and personal love story. President Joe Biden praised Carter as an outstanding statesman and humanitarian, ordering all federal government buildings and military installations to fly flags at half-staff for 30 days to honor a former president dedicated to a lifetime of public service.