Mahmood Abbas has applied for full membership of the UN.
He went to the UN where I was certain he would bottle it and just try and defend his own.. stature.
Maybe this will be the first day of many where the Palesinias finally regain dignity.
But there are hurdles.
First this may not go through the security council - the US has been applying on members of the security council to reject the proposal, and if they dont, the US has vowed to veto the proposal.
Even agreement, it means very little if nothing changes on the ground.
But in the face of no hope, this is a great step at showing a peaceful way to the state.
Now it is the job of the rest of the world to step up and do its bit.
so what should the rest of the world do? what bits is it?
and, am i blind, but, the fact that USA said they'd defo veto it = total and utter support of Israel and its actions
yes? no?
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
Yes, but for this there will be a price to pay. Besides, if the cause is then taken to the general assembly, while any recognition will not be as symbolic (and there will be less status given in the UN), there is no veto in the general assembly.
Ther rest of the world can add more pressure, the EU can set up some sort of embargo system where its trade with Israel is dependant on real change in the region etc.
It is an important symbol if it happens, even though it is unlikely
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
what can the lil people like us do?
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
Keep the big people honest.
Some people may not like to hear it but politicians can be kept accountable - if the people are vigilant.
and do dua for the best (whatever best is).
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
US Congress blocks aid to the Palestinians.
"It is ironic to be punished for going to the United Nations."
"For too long, we have been a passively tolerant society, saying to our citizens 'as long as you obey the law, we will leave you alone'" - David Cameron, UK Prime Minister. 13 May 2015.
The Palestinian attempt to claim a moral victory in its bid for UN security council recognition of a Palestinian state appears on the brink of collapse as European nations look likely to back Washington's opposition to the move.
The security council is scheduled to meet on Friday to consider the Palestinian request in September to be admitted to the UN as a full member state. There is no chance of the request being approved, because the US has said it will veto any move.
But the Palestinians had hoped to claim a moral victory by garnering the support of nine of the 15 security council members they need to receive admission. Washington would then have been placed in the embarrassing position of having to kill the request.
However, diplomatic sources at the UN say the prospect of a vote is diminishing because the Palestinians appear able to muster the backing of only eight countries on the security council.
The Palestinians had hoped that Paris would provide the ninth vote after France supported admission of a Palestinian state to Unesco last week. But Paris has joined other European countries on the security council, including Britain, in planning to abstain in the vote.
read the rest here
"How many people find fault in what they're reading and the fault is in their own understanding" Al Mutanabbi