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Palestinians Face a Dangerous UN Clash on Statehood
(Washington Post) Ziad J. Asali - A potentially dangerous confrontation looms in September over the question of Palestinian statehood, one that threatens significant negative consequences for all parties. It is in the interests of all constructive actors to find a compromise that avoids such a confrontation. As Palestinians started pursuing this policy, several crucial facts become clear: First, the U.S. indicated unequivocally that it would veto in the Security Council a Palestinian application for UN membership, making such membership impossible at this time. Moreover, Congress has sent a strong message that UN action on Palestinian statehood would result in a cutoff of U.S. aid, and the U.S. is the single biggest donor to the PA. Second, Palestinian hopes for securing support for UN membership from a unified European community have been dashed by the open opposition of Germany and the Netherlands, and by a lack of support from nations such as Britain and France, which hold key swing votes. The significant gains that Palestinians have made recently in building institutions and preparing for their state must not be put at risk. Countries that support a potential Palestinian confrontation with the U.S. at the UN should be ready to shield Palestinians from its financial, political and security consequences. If not, they should help them find a workable compromise. The writer is founder and president of the American Task Force on Palestine.