So despite years of stated policy concerning a two state solution with Israel and Palestine,

[MadHound]

Obama is now going to block Palestinians from achieving that two state solution via the UN?

Sorry, but that's rather bizarre. Putting the fate of the two state solution in the hands of Israel and negotiations won't get Palestine any closer to their own country anytime soon.

Amazing that we're watching our president go back on what has been settled US policy for years.

[WingDinger]

1. As Chomsky says, it is a dog and pony show, meant not to go anywhere.

It is a peace process, not meant to reach real resolution.

[MadHound]

2. And it leaves Israel with the upper position

What a sad sham this all is.

[hifiguy]

7. The tail wags the dog

when it comes to Middle East policy. And it has for decades. I wonder if there has ever been, in the course of modern history, where a client state dictates so completely what it will and will not do to its sponsor. It's a shameful business.

[Blue_Tires]

3. We were being diplomatic...No one expected the Palestinians to actually DO it!

You ever have that old college roommate or distant relative? "Sure; stop on by whenever you're in town!!" and then your jaw is on the floor when they show up at your door?

[MadHound]

5. Yeah, but with the old college roommate or distant relative I invite them in

Even though I might cringe when I introduce them to the family(especially the college roommate).

However Obama is kicking them to the curb and slamming the door in their face.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

4. No Arab Spring for Palestinians. K&R

[denverbill]

6. Israel has no interest in an agreement. Actions speak louder than words.

You don't build settlements in occupied territory that you intend to leave. And you don't KEEP building them when that is an impediment to peace talks. The current Israeli regime and apparently, most voters, think the West Bank is Israel's by historical right and they have no intention of ever giving it up.

[dtexdem]

8. Ah, but the "desired" two-state solution has always been one ...

where the State of Israel had firm control over the State of Palestine.

But for settlers and the Israeli right (i.e., the Israeli government), that's not good enough: they want to steal all of Palestine.

[JDPriestly]

9. Palestine has to recognize Israel as a Jewish state before it makes

any sense for the UN to recognize something called the Palestinian state.

Unless Palestine and Israel agree on borders, etc. first, what in the world would the UN be recognizing?