Writing Worth Reading
Writing Worth Reading
The Palestinians are seeking enhanced status at the UN in a move aimed at advancing their statehood ambitions. How will the process play out and what are the implications for Palestinians, and for Israel? Read on to find out
Al-Jazeera's two-and-a-half-minute summary
US will kill Palestinian request in Security Council. After that will come "new phase of the conflict in which the formal structures of diplomacy will become irrelevant". Israel likely to face popular mass movement against it
Enterprising Getty photographer Mario Tama managed to position himself over Israeli PM's shoulder at UN and photograph hand-written edits he made to his speech, following Palestinian president's address. Here's what he saw
In supporting Israel against the Palestinians' UN initiative the US again undermined its own national interests "in blind allegiance to an ungrateful and self-destructive ally". This was the public mortification of Barack Obama
Realistic, fairly even-handed assessment of status of Israeli-Palestinian dispute. "The problem with the land for peace concept is that the process doesn't offer enough land to the Palestinians or enough peace to the Israelis"
Good read on likely outcome of UN gambit. Palestine would be inverse of Kosovo, which has de facto independence but lacks recognition. Palestine would gain recognition but no real sovereignty. Could be a high price for limited gains
This is a fast-moving story and here is your best guide through it. Latest (provisional) assessment: US can stop this through procedural manipulation without having to use its veto. An eye-opening guide to diplomatic arm-twisting
What will happen and what it means for the parties most closely involved. Former UN-based British diplomat sets it out succinctly. Point one: Palestine will not be recognised as a state. That is for other countries, not UN, to do
On Israel and the Palestinians. "I am convinced that there is no short cut to the end of a conflict that has endured for decades. Peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the UN"
Concise piece explains why Palestinian leadership is pursuing its statehood initiative at the UN and what it hopes to gain. Better for all if Israel, US respond constructively. For different reasons, they won't
An Israeli view on the Palestinian decision to pursue an enhancement of its status at the United Nations. "This will only reinforce Israeli fears about a Palestinian state. The inevitable result will be to deepen the tragedy"
Pro-Obama account of presidential headaches caused by B Netanyahu Esq. And the importance, heightened by New York special election, US president's team attaches to not losing Jewish funding, or votes, for 2012 campaign
Palestinian leadership has several different paths it could take at UN in attempt to increase leverage with Israel, signal dissatisfaction with US and moribund peace process. Here are the options and how it may play out
It's a simple question, asked repeatedly of Palestinian leaders by Benjamin Netanyahu. You may think it sounds reasonable. You may also think he keeps asking it because he knows the Palestinians can't say "yes". Here's why not
With peace talks stalled, it seems increasingly likely that Palestine may make an appeal to the UN to recognise it as an independent state. But how would this work? And what would the political and diplomatic ramifications be?
Mahmoud Abbas is frustrated with Barack Obama, especially over Israeli settlements. "We both went up the tree. After that, he came down with a ladder and he removed the ladder and said to me, jump. Three times he did it"
