Palestinian UN bid

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas speaks to some of his aides before the start of a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, January 4, 2013. (State Dept. photo)

Headlines say ‘Kerry blames Israel’ – who would have dreamt it?

If the road to the UN was open to the Palestinians before, now there may as well be a red carpet on it. It goes without saying that Kerry’s blaming of Israel for the blow-up in the peace talks is a great thing, a bigger win for the fight against the occupation than anyone could…

By Larry Derfner April 9, 2014

File photo of Fatah official Nabil Shaath (Photo by Janwikifoto/CC)

‘PLO to join 48 int’l organizations, treaties if talks fail’

The current round of peace talks can only continue if the U.S. changes its approach, a senior Fatah official says. The PLO will seek membership in an additional 48 international organizations, treaties and conventions if peace talks are not salvaged by the end of this month, Ma’an news agency quoted senior Palestinian official and Fatah…

By Michael Schaeffer Omer-Man April 7, 2014

President Obama receiving a medal from president Peres during his visit in Jerusalem (photo: Mark Neyman / GPO)

Five positive points in Obama’s Jerusalem speech

While Obama’s speech was biased, antiquated and problematic, it did include a handful of statements, ideas and words that provide even the slightest bit of hope. By Moriel Rothman So. Huh. President Barack Obama just finished his speech here in Jerusalem, a few blocks away from where I am sitting. I want to get some thoughts out,…

By +972 Magazine March 22, 2013

Latest

Celebrations in Ramallah (Oren Ziv / Activestills)

A sad day of ‘victory’ in Ramallah

In spite of the headlines, the international media attention, and the flow of pictures showing celebrating Palestinians waving flags – the UN resolution sparked little excitement or joy in the streets of Ramallah, which is still surrounded by walls and settlements on all sides. If anything, it was an evening of sadness and despair. Traveling…

By Haggai Matar November 30, 2012

Palestinians dance in front of the Israeli separation wall in the West Bank town of Bethlehem in anticipation of the Palestinian bid for "nonmember observer state" status at the United Nations, November 29, 2012. Hours later, the UN General Assembly voted 138-9 in favor of the upgraded status for Palestine, with 41 nations abstaining. (Photo by: Ryan Rodrick Beiler/Activestills.org)

PHOTOS: Palestinians celebrate UN victory

Palestinians throughout the West Bank gathered, first in anticipation, then in celebration of their bid for upgraded status at the United Nations. In a 138-9 vote, with 41 abstentions, the UN General Assembly voted to change Palestine’s status from “nonmember observer entity” to “nonmember observer state.” The landslide victory, including many European nations that changed…

By Activestills November 30, 2012

President Obama (photo: Wikimedia Commons)

America must rethink Mideast policy in light of Palestinian UN bid

An assertive Palestinian diplomatic strategy exposes the obsolete nature of America’s foreign policy with relation to the Middle East. Eyal Clyne argues that the US is increasingly isolated and faces worse if it fails to provide more support to the future Palestinian state. By Eyal Clyne The anticipated American veto of the vote to admit…

By +972 Magazine November 6, 2011

Larry Derfner

The threat of (Jewish) terrorism

Israel’s number one journalist, Nahum Barnea of Yediot Aharonot, wrote the following today about the immediate prospects for violence in the West Bank as a result of the UN showdown:: “Surprising as it sounds, the IDF and Israel Police both figure that the greatest danger at the moment is not from the Palestinian side, but…

By Larry Derfner September 21, 2011