WHERE HAS THE PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD ISSUE GONE?

The short answer is, nowhere fast!!

The reality is, nobody is in a real hurry, other than the Palestinians, to push the UNSC vote.

It appears the PA is one vote away from having the nine needed to force the US veto and that one vote is going to be virtually impossible to get.

In the long run it won't really matter given the US will take the blame one way or another, but not having to officially cast the " Veto" vote is a small victory for the US.

As for the UNESCO recognition, if it does one thing, it sets the "trend" of UN organizations getting comfortable with saying yes to a Palestinian membership.

As for the relationship between Abbas and Hamas, the past week has been another trying chapter in Palestinian leadership journals.

Iran's dictated missile events revolving around it's power struggle with Egypt and the Muslim Brotherhood did nothing for Abbas or Hamas's future.

That kind of events is the last thing Abbas or Hamas needs right now and that is exactly one of the reasons Iran called for the event.

So, what does all this mean?

How does the actions out of Gaza and the threat of Israeli response tie into the pending UNSC vote?

Well, for one thing, it could mean Iran is threatening they could keep a vote from event taking place.

A proxy conflict between Israel and the forces in Gaza would be just the excuse the UNSC would need to kick the vote down the road for months if not longer.

So, is the Palestinian statehood vote a bargaining chip in the struggle to keep Syria / Assad / in power and in the Iranian camp?

I would absolutely bet on it if I had to.

If the Arab League wants to see the Palestinian / UNSC vote come to fruition, then Iran may very well demand the Arab League come to terms with Assad.

Surprise.... surprise... what took place today????

Ah yes..... an " agreement" between the Arab League and Syria!!!

Imagine that..

Now, lets see who betrays who first!

It's the Middle Eastern way of doing business....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-15554178