Go-it-Alone Strategy Leaves Palestinians Divided Media Mention of Ziad Asali In The Huffington Post - September 23, 2011 - 12:00am For months Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has traversed the globe, lobbying members of the United Nations to vote in support of a unilaterally declared Palestinian state. This is the week when he will take this long-threatened action, and when the member states will decide to support or oppose the Palestinian bid. » Read more

U.S. Makes Security Preparations for After Palestinian Bid at UN Media Mention of Hussein Ibish In Bloomberg - September 23, 2011 - 12:00am The U.S. has laid the groundwork for maintaining security in the aftermath of the Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN, including the possibility of violence. The effort includes discussions with Gulf countries, planning with Israeli and Palestinian security forces, and aid to ensure the Palestinian Authority can pay its personnel. The U.S. has made clear its intent to block a Palestinian request for United Nations recognition. To avoid needing to exercise its veto power, the U.S. has been working with Israel to persuade members of the Security Council to abstain from voting. » Read more

Domestic Politics Produce Three-Way Collision at United Nations Media Mention of Hussein Ibish In Bloomberg - September 23, 2011 - 12:00am The collision this week over Palestinian statehood at the United Nations has been coming since Israel and the Palestinian Authority hit an impasse in negotiations a year ago and U.S. President Barack Obama was unable to get them back to the bargaining table. » Read more