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News & politics

UN Recognizes Palestine

(63 Posts)
Butty Fri 30-Nov-12 12:32:26

From an email I received just now........

"A few minutes ago, the UN voted overwhelmingly to recognize Palestine as the world's 194th state!!! It’s a huge victory for the Palestinian people, for peace, for our community, and people across the world are joining with massive crowds in Palestine to celebrate."

whenim64 Fri 30-Nov-12 12:42:37

Oh, that's just the news we need Butty. I hope they stick with it and actually get somewhere this time.

Greatnan Fri 30-Nov-12 12:46:31

And Britain abstained. Shame on you, Hague.

absentgrana Fri 30-Nov-12 12:49:24

Palestine has been given observer status at the UN but not full membership. Israel and the US will fight any attempt to obtain full membership because that then gives Palestine access to other bodies, most notably the International Criminal Court. Don't hang out the bunting yet.

For the record, Britain abstained from the vote. Wimps.

Riverwalk Fri 30-Nov-12 13:13:05

Hague is a member of the Conservative Friends of Israel - we can expect no more from him.

Obama is a coward - he could have taken a lead by abstaining; wouldn't that be revolutionary. His recent re-election proves that the pro-Israel lobby in the US has its limitations. I don't know why we gush over him.

NfkDumpling Fri 30-Nov-12 13:44:44

Good news though - A step in the right direction.

Butty Fri 30-Nov-12 13:46:50

Indeed it is.

Greatnan Fri 30-Nov-12 14:23:12

'Politics is the art of the possible' and Obama had to contend with the ultra conservative Christian lobby. If he had taken on the Zionists as well they could have formed an unholy alliance against him. Give him time - he isn't having to worry about re-election this term.

Riverwalk Fri 30-Nov-12 16:15:31

I spent four months in the US this year and closely followed the news - indeed some fundamentalist Christian groups and Zionists did form an alliance but, as Obama's re-election showed, this alliance failed.

As you say greatnan he had to contend with that lobby but the election is now over and he won!

If this United Nations vote had taken place a week before the election I would understand his reluctance.

jO5 Fri 30-Nov-12 16:42:42

It's a start.

Hopefully.

They have said they wouldn't take Israel to the International Criminal Court if they got full membership. But who knows? And that would definitely cause a rumpus.

Bags Fri 30-Nov-12 16:50:39

I'm glad to hear that news, butty.

As for Obama, well, it's easy to simplify and condemn. I don't envy him.

jO5 Fri 30-Nov-12 16:56:49

There are a lot of jews in the US and many of them have prominence in politics.

America's friendship with Israel goes back years. I don't think Pres. Obama would want to give up on it.

soop Fri 30-Nov-12 16:57:01

A time for celebrating. Please may there be an ongoing peace. There must be many children who think that warfare is part and parcel of normal everyday life.
Butty smile

jO5 Fri 30-Nov-12 16:58:13

I don't think this will actually add anything to the prospect of peace. Sadly.

soop Fri 30-Nov-12 17:03:13

jings Where there's hope...

Nonu Fri 30-Nov-12 17:13:14

Message deleted by Gransnet.

jO5 Fri 30-Nov-12 17:16:24

Nonu - Wait till December!!!! hmm

Nonu Fri 30-Nov-12 17:25:49

six and a half hours we will be in December .

How"s that grab you ? [Christmas smile]

Bags Fri 30-Nov-12 17:27:07

It's December in Oz already.

jO5 Fri 30-Nov-12 17:30:57

Bags Newsflash! We have got one member in Oz, and it's not Nonu. grin

jO5 Fri 30-Nov-12 17:31:14

[pwink] !!

jO5 Fri 30-Nov-12 17:31:29

no. not pwink hmm

jO5 Fri 30-Nov-12 17:32:27

Oh my gosh Nonu!!!! You're right! shock

Nonu Fri 30-Nov-12 17:41:45

OMG , JO , you will turn my head with your flattery .

[christmas smile]

jO5 Fri 30-Nov-12 17:43:05

sarky!