“Israel and the Palestinians may be advancing toward understandings with regard to recognition of Palestinian statehood in 2011. While it seems that both parties are determinedly heading toward confrontation, this outcome is made possible by the powerful interests that are at stake.

It is the fierce opposition by Israel that provides the most powerful motivation for the Palestinian initiative to achieve recognition for statehood from the United Nations. After all, many of UN members have grave reservations about the usefulness and consequences of such an act.”

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