The UN recognition of Palestine as a “non member observer state”: the proof that the US diplomacy really works a treat
Just a map today to emphasize the isolation of Israel and the USA on the vote at the UN to recognise Palestine as a “non member observer state”. Indeed Palestine is now formally recognised as a state by the UN albeit still a “non member”. The UN gives more details on the “non member state” status at un.org.
The key word and diplomatic success for the much denigrated Palestinian Authority is “State” (at least in the same way that Vatican is one). A massive step towards sovereignty given Palestine had been confined to the status of “non member observer entity” (like NGOs are) since 1974. (more on the weakened Palestinian Authority on nyt.com: “Gaza Crisis Poses Threat to Faction Favored by U.S.”)
Map of the votes to grant Palestine the “non member observer state” status at the UN (Source: lemonde.fr)
Only 9 out of 138 member states rejected the bid. They are in addition to the usual suspects Israel and the US: Canada, the Czech Republic (mmm’kay…) and (here is my point, please do not laugh) The Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and Panama. A great piece of diplomatic art from both Israel and the US.
I will even abstain to comment on the abstention from Australia, Germany, the UK and friends: may the too heavy beacon of progressivism and recognition of the nations be held by others who aren’t so busy fixing the world… (more details on this Palestinian bid at cnn.com)
Fresh Parisian stencil dated the latest Israeli raid on Gaza: “Gaza, Palestine, who endorses this massacre” ?
What really strikes me though is how much influence and power the US have lost in just one year, given a very same process was cancelled in 2011 (the Guardian reported on it here). This time Israel and the US simply got outnumbered in the General Assembly.
What’s next? More blood, toil, tears and sweat in the Middle East ? Probably, but this is another story… In the meantime, and despite the frustrating symbolic nature of it compared to people of all sides dying under bombings, this is a potentially profound development in a region where the standstill is too often the norm.
And also an opportunity to (re)read our 2-post series on the decline of the US Empire:
- Part 1 here: Will the Empire Ever Strike Back?
- Part 2 here: The Empire Needs a Victory
And please be indulgent as prospective works always fails to some extent…
{NKN, Paris, 30 November 2012}
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