Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter has been awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. It is a fitting selection. Mr. Carter has worked tirelessly for peace and to help the poor and the powerless throughout his career; his efforts deserve the recognition afforded by the Nobel selection committee. Just as important, the timing of the prize is right. Mr. Carter's commitment to the peaceful resolution of problems and the rule of law is desperately needed as the world contemplates the prospect of war with Iraq.

Announcing its selection last week, the Nobel committee cited Mr. Carter's "vital contribution" to the Camp David accords, which he personally brokered to end the state of war between Israel and Egypt. (Menachim Begin and Anwar Sadat won the peace prize for that historic choice; Mr. Carter was not included because his nomination was not received in time.) It also applauded his work in conflict resolution and the promotion of human rights after his presidency.

Since leaving the White House, Mr. Carter has promoted peace talks between Ethiopia and Eritrean rebels. In 1994 he led a U.S. delegation to Haiti to persuade the military junta to step aside and avert a U.S. invasion. In a move that irritated then-U.S. President Bill Clinton, Mr. Carter took it upon himself to go to Pyongyang to head off a nuclear dispute between the United States and North Korea. He has headed observer teams for dozens of general elections worldwide, from Panama to East Timor. Throughout, he has campaigned tirelessly for democracy, human rights and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.