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A Presumed Statehood: the PA's UN answer to the Palestine Question

Published September 22nd, 2011 - 04:40 GMT

Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, announced his Friday 23rd application for full voting membership of the United Nations. But that rests on UN Security Council approval and will, we know since Wednesday and the US pledge to veto, fail. What may be acheived instead is an upgrading in status for the Palestinian entity to a "non-voting observer state," in the General Assembly, a category that now includes the Vatican only.

Tomorrow the day of reckoning for Palestinian statehood is upon us.  Will Palestinians be granted an upgrade to statehood, whether of the fully-fledged kind or the 'observer' non-member variety? And how will such a 'state' look anyway. Will it be the present day splintered reality of 'Palestine' dispersed between Gaza and fractions or pieces of the West Bank, barring East Jerusalem? 

Many fear that the only way ahead now may amount to the pitiful settlement of the PA taking 'Palestine' two decades back rather than one international step forward.

These are many questions being bandied about at this time where much is unclear. The status of Palestinian-hood is under a cloud of speculation and many cynics forecast little outcome for the aspiring state member, with the US veto and Israel colluding and continuing to insist on peace negotiations that involve themselves exclusively,  and not the supremacy of an international community.

Perhaps, Mahmoud Abbas, head of the PA, buoyed up by the mood of change in the region wanted something to show for his time and his legacy …He knows the timing will never be right... Palestine unlike the Arab Spring states has always been 'ready' for change, if not positively desperate for it.

Al Bawaba, consideres some bleak forecasts from the cynics in the Palestine-Israeli  game- who have every reason to remain such, having done or watched the rounds of peace talk after peace hurdle. Whatever the gains, some starkly predict, the Palestinians will be kept "colonised, discriminated against, oppressed, and exiled." How does the Arab Spring play into the Palestine Push?

What is the relationship between Obama’s refusal to recognise Palestine and his insistence on recognising Israel’s right to be a "Jewish state" and his demand that the Palestinians and Arab countries play things according to his pace?

 

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Goodbye Palestine 1948: Hello Palestine 2011?: This state hat is being considered now was previously on offer at the Geneva Accords and rejected all around...Palestinians would have to officially surrender the 1948 borders of historical Palestine as we know it, 'settling' for a version, or indeed a fraction, of 1967. A new fragmented reality.

Goodbye Palestine 1948: Hello Palestine 2011?: This state hat is being considered now was previously on offer at the Geneva Accords and rejected all around...Palestinians would have to officially surrender the 1948 borders of historical Palestine as we know it, 'settling' for a version, or indeed a fraction, of 1967. A new fragmented reality.

The story of the evolution (or devolution) of Palestine is that of a shrinking, now splintered reality. The full or proto-state that the PA bids for will be drawn upon the borders of '67 which include Gaza & East Jerusalem. Yet, the upgraded status contested would be a downgrade in land claim & legal recourse to compensation or right of return.

The story of the evolution (or devolution) of Palestine is that of a shrinking, now splintered reality. The full or proto-state that the PA bids for will be drawn upon the borders of '67 which include Gaza & East Jerusalem. Yet, the upgraded status contested would be a downgrade in land claim & legal recourse to compensation or right of return.

Before the region or Palestine as maybe-state, let alone the acquiescent nations of the world get carried away: the US confirmed as of 21/ 09/11- its intention to thwart statehood. Yet another veto to add to an impressive record 41 times used in the Security Council in defense of Israel. This veto will not promote its image in the Arab world.

Before the region or Palestine as maybe-state, let alone the acquiescent nations of the world get carried away: the US confirmed as of 21/ 09/11- its intention to thwart statehood. Yet another veto to add to an impressive record 41 times used in the Security Council in defense of Israel. This veto will not promote its image in the Arab world.

Death of PLO: This body - which represented ALL Palestinians- will cease to represent the Palestinian people today at the UN, if the vote passes. The PA (who represents a truncated version of the Palestinian tribe, mainly the West Bank ones) will replace it. This new statehood will trump or void out a history of international agreements.

Death of PLO: This body - which represented ALL Palestinians- will cease to represent the Palestinian people today at the UN, if the vote passes. The PA (who represents a truncated version of the Palestinian tribe, mainly the West Bank ones) will replace it. This new statehood will trump or void out a history of international agreements.

The UN allows room for maneuver if you have friends in the right 'councils'. International so-called law with its mixed signals has played hard to get for Palestinians who have not secured recognition nor rights facing off Israeli violations. Cynics of the 'bid' doubt whether an upgraded status will change the reality of the ever-looming US veto.

The UN allows room for maneuver if you have friends in the right 'councils'. International so-called law with its mixed signals has played hard to get for Palestinians who have not secured recognition nor rights facing off Israeli violations. Cynics of the 'bid' doubt whether an upgraded status will change the reality of the ever-looming US veto.

3rd Intifada? Bleak forecasts on the Palestinian, as well as the Arab 'Sprung', Street predict a Palestinian crisis. The PA delegation- as forerunners of this presumed state who forged ahead without the OK of all Palestinians- are still tarred as collaborators of Israel, as well as being suspected of a last-ditch attempt to secure a PA legacy.

3rd Intifada? Bleak forecasts on the Palestinian, as well as the Arab 'Sprung', Street predict a Palestinian crisis. The PA delegation- as forerunners of this presumed state who forged ahead without the OK of all Palestinians- are still tarred as collaborators of Israel, as well as being suspected of a last-ditch attempt to secure a PA legacy.

A Palestinian state could anchor leverage as an equal 'partner' in peace & international human rights. Not quite blocking the US habit of shielding Israel from being brought to justice for international misdemeanors. Still, a promoted 'Palestine' could sit on international bodies, eg International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

A Palestinian state could anchor leverage as an equal 'partner' in peace & international human rights. Not quite blocking the US habit of shielding Israel from being brought to justice for international misdemeanors. Still, a promoted 'Palestine' could sit on international bodies, eg International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Forsaken, in holy land style, the Right of Return for the diaspora & refugees from non-West Bank- select Palestine. Someone from Haifa would not get to return to Haifa; but maybe an alternative designated plot in 'New Palestine' (which risks under-capacity to absorb returnees, especially if the '67 borders are not restored in full as likely).'

Forsaken, in holy land style, the Right of Return for the diaspora & refugees from non-West Bank- select Palestine. Someone from Haifa would not get to return to Haifa; but maybe an alternative designated plot in 'New Palestine' (which risks under-capacity to absorb returnees, especially if the '67 borders are not restored in full as likely).'

Some refugees-- by now forced into uneasy 'settlement' in host countries-- still mythically or in actuality have the key to their homes Palestine-side. Some 2nd or 3rd generation of the host nation know next to nothing of their homeland. All retain the UN upheld right to return, or be reimbursed. Would these UN agreements be void post-state?

Some refugees-- by now forced into uneasy 'settlement' in host countries-- still mythically or in actuality have the key to their homes Palestine-side. Some 2nd or 3rd generation of the host nation know next to nothing of their homeland. All retain the UN upheld right to return, or be reimbursed. Would these UN agreements be void post-state?

Abbas submits an application 23rd September for full member status at the UN. Failing that, given the US surefire veto, he will go for the lesser upgrade to 'observer' state at the General Assembly. Determined to secure some upgrade, he has told the UN to think about it. Delayed UN votes can drag out, so he will be lucky to hear before 2012.

Abbas submits an application 23rd September for full member status at the UN. Failing that, given the US surefire veto, he will go for the lesser upgrade to 'observer' state at the General Assembly. Determined to secure some upgrade, he has told the UN to think about it. Delayed UN votes can drag out, so he will be lucky to hear before 2012.

The idea behind the Palestinian bid is to garner more respect where member states have more clout. Greater prestige and the possible added leverage might put an end to Israel's impunity through legal instruments on international forums & bodies. (That is not to say the US will refrain from buffering Israel from conceding Palestinian rights).

The idea behind the Palestinian bid is to garner more respect where member states have more clout. Greater prestige and the possible added leverage might put an end to Israel's impunity through legal instruments on international forums & bodies. (That is not to say the US will refrain from buffering Israel from conceding Palestinian rights).

Manifest gains from the statehood: Daily life for those living under 'occupation' of the 'Jewish state' should be easier and more palatable for Palestinian 'citizens' at least within their new declared state. Formerly check point aggravation was par for the course, and regular arrests were a way of life for many citizens.

Manifest gains from the statehood: Daily life for those living under 'occupation' of the 'Jewish state' should be easier and more palatable for Palestinian 'citizens' at least within their new declared state. Formerly check point aggravation was par for the course, and regular arrests were a way of life for many citizens.

The future 'settlement': Even if Palestinians are to be granted statehood of sorts, what of the Israeli settlements? Will Jewish settlers be cleared out in the demarcated Palestine 'state' upon UN say- so or will they live with Palestinian IDs under Palestinian control or yoke?

The future 'settlement': Even if Palestinians are to be granted statehood of sorts, what of the Israeli settlements? Will Jewish settlers be cleared out in the demarcated Palestine 'state' upon UN say- so or will they live with Palestinian IDs under Palestinian control or yoke?

Goodbye Palestine 1948: Hello Palestine 2011?: This state hat is being considered now was previously on offer at the Geneva Accords and rejected all around...Palestinians would have to officially surrender the 1948 borders of historical Palestine as we know it, 'settling' for a version, or indeed a fraction, of 1967. A new fragmented reality.
The story of the evolution (or devolution) of Palestine is that of a shrinking, now splintered reality. The full or proto-state that the PA bids for will be drawn upon the borders of '67 which include Gaza & East Jerusalem. Yet, the upgraded status contested would be a downgrade in land claim & legal recourse to compensation or right of return.
Before the region or Palestine as maybe-state, let alone the acquiescent nations of the world get carried away: the US confirmed as of 21/ 09/11- its intention to thwart statehood. Yet another veto to add to an impressive record 41 times used in the Security Council in defense of Israel. This veto will not promote its image in the Arab world.
Death of PLO: This body - which represented ALL Palestinians- will cease to represent the Palestinian people today at the UN, if the vote passes. The PA (who represents a truncated version of the Palestinian tribe, mainly the West Bank ones) will replace it. This new statehood will trump or void out a history of international agreements.
The UN allows room for maneuver if you have friends in the right 'councils'. International so-called law with its mixed signals has played hard to get for Palestinians who have not secured recognition nor rights facing off Israeli violations. Cynics of the 'bid' doubt whether an upgraded status will change the reality of the ever-looming US veto.
3rd Intifada? Bleak forecasts on the Palestinian, as well as the Arab 'Sprung', Street predict a Palestinian crisis. The PA delegation- as forerunners of this presumed state who forged ahead without the OK of all Palestinians- are still tarred as collaborators of Israel, as well as being suspected of a last-ditch attempt to secure a PA legacy.
A Palestinian state could anchor leverage as an equal 'partner' in peace & international human rights. Not quite blocking the US habit of shielding Israel from being brought to justice for international misdemeanors. Still, a promoted 'Palestine' could sit on international bodies, eg International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Forsaken, in holy land style, the Right of Return for the diaspora & refugees from non-West Bank- select Palestine. Someone from Haifa would not get to return to Haifa; but maybe an alternative designated plot in 'New Palestine' (which risks under-capacity to absorb returnees, especially if the '67 borders are not restored in full as likely).'
Some refugees-- by now forced into uneasy 'settlement' in host countries-- still mythically or in actuality have the key to their homes Palestine-side. Some 2nd or 3rd generation of the host nation know next to nothing of their homeland. All retain the UN upheld right to return, or be reimbursed. Would these UN agreements be void post-state?
Abbas submits an application 23rd September for full member status at the UN. Failing that, given the US surefire veto, he will go for the lesser upgrade to 'observer' state at the General Assembly. Determined to secure some upgrade, he has told the UN to think about it. Delayed UN votes can drag out, so he will be lucky to hear before 2012.
The idea behind the Palestinian bid is to garner more respect where member states have more clout. Greater prestige and the possible added leverage might put an end to Israel's impunity through legal instruments on international forums & bodies. (That is not to say the US will refrain from buffering Israel from conceding Palestinian rights).
Manifest gains from the statehood: Daily life for those living under 'occupation' of the 'Jewish state' should be easier and more palatable for Palestinian 'citizens' at least within their new declared state. Formerly check point aggravation was par for the course, and regular arrests were a way of life for many citizens.
The future 'settlement': Even if Palestinians are to be granted statehood of sorts, what of the Israeli settlements? Will Jewish settlers be cleared out in the demarcated Palestine 'state' upon UN say- so or will they live with Palestinian IDs under Palestinian control or yoke?
Goodbye Palestine 1948: Hello Palestine 2011?: This state hat is being considered now was previously on offer at the Geneva Accords and rejected all around...Palestinians would have to officially surrender the 1948 borders of historical Palestine as we know it, 'settling' for a version, or indeed a fraction, of 1967. A new fragmented reality.
Goodbye Palestine 1948: Hello Palestine 2011?: This state hat is being considered now was previously on offer at the Geneva Accords and rejected all around...Palestinians would have to officially surrender the 1948 borders of historical Palestine as we know it, 'settling' for a version, or indeed a fraction, of 1967. A new fragmented reality.
The story of the evolution (or devolution) of Palestine is that of a shrinking, now splintered reality. The full or proto-state that the PA bids for will be drawn upon the borders of '67 which include Gaza & East Jerusalem. Yet, the upgraded status contested would be a downgrade in land claim & legal recourse to compensation or right of return.
The story of the evolution (or devolution) of Palestine is that of a shrinking, now splintered reality. The full or proto-state that the PA bids for will be drawn upon the borders of '67 which include Gaza & East Jerusalem. Yet, the upgraded status contested would be a downgrade in land claim & legal recourse to compensation or right of return.
Before the region or Palestine as maybe-state, let alone the acquiescent nations of the world get carried away: the US confirmed as of 21/ 09/11- its intention to thwart statehood. Yet another veto to add to an impressive record 41 times used in the Security Council in defense of Israel. This veto will not promote its image in the Arab world.
Before the region or Palestine as maybe-state, let alone the acquiescent nations of the world get carried away: the US confirmed as of 21/ 09/11- its intention to thwart statehood. Yet another veto to add to an impressive record 41 times used in the Security Council in defense of Israel. This veto will not promote its image in the Arab world.
Death of PLO: This body - which represented ALL Palestinians- will cease to represent the Palestinian people today at the UN, if the vote passes. The PA (who represents a truncated version of the Palestinian tribe, mainly the West Bank ones) will replace it. This new statehood will trump or void out a history of international agreements.
Death of PLO: This body - which represented ALL Palestinians- will cease to represent the Palestinian people today at the UN, if the vote passes. The PA (who represents a truncated version of the Palestinian tribe, mainly the West Bank ones) will replace it. This new statehood will trump or void out a history of international agreements.
The UN allows room for maneuver if you have friends in the right 'councils'. International so-called law with its mixed signals has played hard to get for Palestinians who have not secured recognition nor rights facing off Israeli violations. Cynics of the 'bid' doubt whether an upgraded status will change the reality of the ever-looming US veto.
The UN allows room for maneuver if you have friends in the right 'councils'. International so-called law with its mixed signals has played hard to get for Palestinians who have not secured recognition nor rights facing off Israeli violations. Cynics of the 'bid' doubt whether an upgraded status will change the reality of the ever-looming US veto.
3rd Intifada? Bleak forecasts on the Palestinian, as well as the Arab 'Sprung', Street predict a Palestinian crisis. The PA delegation- as forerunners of this presumed state who forged ahead without the OK of all Palestinians- are still tarred as collaborators of Israel, as well as being suspected of a last-ditch attempt to secure a PA legacy.
3rd Intifada? Bleak forecasts on the Palestinian, as well as the Arab 'Sprung', Street predict a Palestinian crisis. The PA delegation- as forerunners of this presumed state who forged ahead without the OK of all Palestinians- are still tarred as collaborators of Israel, as well as being suspected of a last-ditch attempt to secure a PA legacy.
A Palestinian state could anchor leverage as an equal 'partner' in peace & international human rights. Not quite blocking the US habit of shielding Israel from being brought to justice for international misdemeanors. Still, a promoted 'Palestine' could sit on international bodies, eg International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
A Palestinian state could anchor leverage as an equal 'partner' in peace & international human rights. Not quite blocking the US habit of shielding Israel from being brought to justice for international misdemeanors. Still, a promoted 'Palestine' could sit on international bodies, eg International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Forsaken, in holy land style, the Right of Return for the diaspora & refugees from non-West Bank- select Palestine. Someone from Haifa would not get to return to Haifa; but maybe an alternative designated plot in 'New Palestine' (which risks under-capacity to absorb returnees, especially if the '67 borders are not restored in full as likely).'
Forsaken, in holy land style, the Right of Return for the diaspora & refugees from non-West Bank- select Palestine. Someone from Haifa would not get to return to Haifa; but maybe an alternative designated plot in 'New Palestine' (which risks under-capacity to absorb returnees, especially if the '67 borders are not restored in full as likely).'
Some refugees-- by now forced into uneasy 'settlement' in host countries-- still mythically or in actuality have the key to their homes Palestine-side. Some 2nd or 3rd generation of the host nation know next to nothing of their homeland. All retain the UN upheld right to return, or be reimbursed. Would these UN agreements be void post-state?
Some refugees-- by now forced into uneasy 'settlement' in host countries-- still mythically or in actuality have the key to their homes Palestine-side. Some 2nd or 3rd generation of the host nation know next to nothing of their homeland. All retain the UN upheld right to return, or be reimbursed. Would these UN agreements be void post-state?
Abbas submits an application 23rd September for full member status at the UN. Failing that, given the US surefire veto, he will go for the lesser upgrade to 'observer' state at the General Assembly. Determined to secure some upgrade, he has told the UN to think about it. Delayed UN votes can drag out, so he will be lucky to hear before 2012.
Abbas submits an application 23rd September for full member status at the UN. Failing that, given the US surefire veto, he will go for the lesser upgrade to 'observer' state at the General Assembly. Determined to secure some upgrade, he has told the UN to think about it. Delayed UN votes can drag out, so he will be lucky to hear before 2012.
The idea behind the Palestinian bid is to garner more respect where member states have more clout. Greater prestige and the possible added leverage might put an end to Israel's impunity through legal instruments on international forums & bodies. (That is not to say the US will refrain from buffering Israel from conceding Palestinian rights).
The idea behind the Palestinian bid is to garner more respect where member states have more clout. Greater prestige and the possible added leverage might put an end to Israel's impunity through legal instruments on international forums & bodies. (That is not to say the US will refrain from buffering Israel from conceding Palestinian rights).
Manifest gains from the statehood: Daily life for those living under 'occupation' of the 'Jewish state' should be easier and more palatable for Palestinian 'citizens' at least within their new declared state. Formerly check point aggravation was par for the course, and regular arrests were a way of life for many citizens.
Manifest gains from the statehood: Daily life for those living under 'occupation' of the 'Jewish state' should be easier and more palatable for Palestinian 'citizens' at least within their new declared state. Formerly check point aggravation was par for the course, and regular arrests were a way of life for many citizens.
The future 'settlement': Even if Palestinians are to be granted statehood of sorts, what of the Israeli settlements? Will Jewish settlers be cleared out in the demarcated Palestine 'state' upon UN say- so or will they live with Palestinian IDs under Palestinian control or yoke?
The future 'settlement': Even if Palestinians are to be granted statehood of sorts, what of the Israeli settlements? Will Jewish settlers be cleared out in the demarcated Palestine 'state' upon UN say- so or will they live with Palestinian IDs under Palestinian control or yoke?

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