(National Interest) Jonathan Schanzer and Grant Rumley - If the Israeli-Palestinian talks break down, the Palestinians have a plan ready and waiting. Abbas is almost certainly set to renew the international campaign for recognition of Palestinian statehood. In December, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said there were 63 member agencies of the UN that the PLO sought to join. Not only would the Palestinians gain acceptance as a state through these agencies (and do so outside of the bilateral peace process), but Israel is concerned that the Palestinians would also try to isolate Israel from these agencies. Washington maintains laws prohibiting the funding of UN agencies when the PLO gains membership. In October 2011, after the Palestinians joined UNESCO, U.S. funds were slashed. If they pursue their strategy, the U.S. could be forced to choose between the State of Palestine and 63 different UN agencies.
2014-03-25 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive