Meaning: This quote by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter reflects his admiration and respect for the late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. The quote is a testament to Sadat's character, his commitment to peace, and the challenges he faced from those who opposed his vision for a peaceful future.

Anwar Sadat served as the third President of Egypt, succeeding Gamal Abdel Nasser after his death in 1970. Sadat is best known for his efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, particularly through his groundbreaking initiatives towards Israel. One of the most significant events of Sadat's presidency was his decision to pursue peace with Israel, culminating in the Camp David Accords in 1978, which led to a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel in 1979. This bold move earned him both acclaim and condemnation from various quarters, and it ultimately cost him his life, as he was assassinated by Islamic extremists in 1981.

President Carter's praise for Sadat as a "great and good man" reflects the admiration shared by many for the Egyptian leader's courage and determination to seek a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict between Egypt and Israel. Sadat's willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiation with Israel, despite the historical animosity and hostility between the two nations, demonstrated his commitment to diplomacy and reconciliation.

The reference to Sadat's "most bitter and dangerous enemies" underscores the significant opposition and threats that Sadat faced as a result of his pursuit of peace. His decision to make peace with Israel was deeply controversial within the Arab world, and he faced vehement opposition from hardline factions, including extremist groups and individuals who saw his overtures to Israel as a betrayal of the Arab cause. These enemies of peace were driven by intense hatred and animosity towards Sadat's conciliatory approach, viewing it as a capitulation to the enemy rather than a courageous effort to end the cycle of conflict and suffering.

President Carter's acknowledgment of the challenges faced by Sadat in pursuing his peaceful goals serves as a reminder of the immense personal and political risks that leaders often take in the pursuit of peace. Sadat's unwavering commitment to his vision for a peaceful future, despite the threats and dangers posed by his adversaries, highlights the strength of his conviction and his determination to chart a new course for his country and the region.

The legacy of Anwar Sadat as a peacemaker continues to inspire leaders and peace advocates around the world. His willingness to defy convention, confront entrenched opposition, and pursue dialogue and compromise in the pursuit of peace serves as a powerful example of leadership and statesmanship. President Carter's poignant tribute to Sadat encapsulates the admiration felt by many for a leader who dared to dream of a better future and paid the ultimate price for his unwavering commitment to peace.