Palestinians Ask For UN Recognition

05:02

September 23, 2011

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas holds his hands to his face as U.S. President Barack Obama speaks during the 66th session of the General Assembly at United Nations headquarters on Wednesday. (AP)

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has asked the UN for full recognition of Palestinian statehood, saying, "We are going without any hesitation and continuing despite all pressure."

The move puts the Palestinian Authority in direct conflict with the U.S., which has been working furiously on a plan that would have the Palestinians asking for more limited UN recognition in exchange for renewed talks with Israel. Both the Palestinian President and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made their cases before the U.N. General Assembly earlier today.

Washington Post: The Mid East Blame Game
Foreign Policy: Humpty Dumpty Palestine

Guests:

Jonathan Marcus, BBC Diplomatic Correspondent
Aaron David Miller, Former U.S. Middle East Negotiator

This segment aired on September 23, 2011.