just showed how out-of-touch the US is on this question with absolutely everywhere and everyone else. The Palestinians don't care about shoes. They should not be required to have empathy. The history won't yield that and to believe it is possible or even necessary is simply naive. The Palestinians want a state. Why should they not be given statehood and then negotiate the conditions of separation with Israel on an even footing? Why should statehood be a hostage to peace? Peace is more likely when the Palestinians are permitted some dignity and a standing of legitimacy in negotiations.
The US is not even-handed in its treatment of the Palestinians and the Israelis. It gives the Israelis an open-ended timeline and all the hostages to fortune it wishes for. In those circumstances, they have no reason to do more than protect the status quo. Talking endlessly without reaching a conclusion and stalling negotiations, while continuing to build settlements on Palestinian land - these suit this purpose.
Sadly, this vote exposes the US' position for its simple partisanship. It shows this very clearly to Arabs in the neighbourhood. It's unfortunate that this administration cannot see that. Or rather, that it can and is nevertheless determined to support Israel's intransigence.
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