Dispatches from Lincoln's White House: The Anonymous Civil War Journalism of Presidential Secretary William O. Stoddard Book

Another marvelous book by my favorite president. I'm happy that he takes time to explain the Carter Center. A place where antagonistic leaders can utilize their services as mediators. They still fulfill this role whenever opportunities arise and constantly monitor world conflicts. About 120 are on the current list, about 70 erupt into violence each year. 30 are considered major wars where at least 1000 soldiers have died in combat. In modern wars, nine civilians perish for each soldier killed. They study every facet of these conflicts and attempt to resolve them directly or through surrogates.

"Rosalynn is usually at my side when I am mediating, taking detailed notes, writing down every sentence on which there is agreement, and joining in the discussion or passing me written suggestions. Between negotiation sessions, we assess our progress and make plans for the next steps."

Each year they monitor 4 or 5 of the most troubled elections in the world. Usually, when a totalitarian regime is ready, for the first time, to have a democratic election or when an established democracy has an unanticipated challenge to its continued existence. (pg. 101 details how this works).

Each year the Carter Center treats over 10 million people for trachoma, river blindness, guinea worm, schistosomiasis, and elephantiasis.

They also assist small farmers in Africa (2 acres) to double or triple their production of staple food grains.