Will this increase or decrease the likelihood of terrorist actions in America, Europe and the rest of the world?

If you were a member of a family murdered in this conflict, would you be seeking revenge?

Should Tzipi Livni and Ehud Olmert, be tried for war crimes if or when this conflict comes to an end?

What will the price of oil be in 4 weeks time?

A couple days ago nearly half of the European countries were expected to vote against the UN resolution. It now seems likely that no EU country will vote against. An Israeli official said, "we lost Europe".

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/germany-abstaining-at-un-because-israel-wouldn-t-budge-on-settlements.premium-1.481443

Germany abstaining at UN because Israel wouldn't budge on settlements'

Senior official says Germany has been trying to help Israel on the Palestinian issue for a long time but Israel has not taken the necessary steps to advance the peace process; Italy also announces that it will support Palestinians at the UN.

The German decision not to oppose the Palestinian bid for non-member observer state status, and to abstain in the vote at the United Nations General Assembly this evening has shocked the top brass at the Foreign Ministry and the Prime Minister's office.

Well why does our lot not vote for them? What exactly is stopping them?

probably best to see what the vote actually brings and what the wording detail is ..... that will no doubt give a clue as why certain countries voted as they did ..... one of the items to look for is the pursuit or otherwise of certain people through ICC

vote?

Yes sorry "vote".

The wording and details of the resolution are very tame. They just talk about self determination and 1967 borders. There is nothing contentious in them. As regards the use of the ICC, that is open to all members. If the Palestinians do not charge Israel retrospectively then all Israel has to do to avoid the ICC is to behave in a civilised way. Of course that means no more settlements as they are illegal and constitute a war crime in someone else's territory. The continued occupation of the West Bank is another war crime as is the stealing of Palestinian land. It does begin to sound that Israel needs a change of direction.

following the initial euphoria, it should not be forgotten that it takes two to tango and there are many hard years ahead - or just several if one is very lucky

It looks like the session which will lead to the vote should start at 8pm our time. It can be watched live on the UN web site. The number of countries voting against is getting very small now. The US, Canada, The Marshal Islands, maybe Denmark but they may abstain. China and Russia should be a yes. I would surprised if they get ten to vote no out of 193.

i'm a celebrity will make better watching, or even corrie or eastenders

So what's stopping us voting for then?

perhaps we (uk) will vote "for" depending on what deals may have been done behind the scenes

The UK statement was that we would vote yes if the Palestinians promised to avoid the ICC and agreed to start peace talks after the vote. Abbas promised to start talks straight after the vote, although I guess that would still be contingent on Israel stopping settlement building. It is unrealistic to expect Palestine to give up access to the ICC when every other state has recourse to it. As Abbas would not accept these terms the UK will abstain. It looks like we don't want to upset the US.

Hays,

I am always in a minority, but I remain convinced all my actions are and have been right!

(Wife's and children's opinion.)
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But the change will be welcomed and hopefully, this may lead to a decent outcome for the Palestinians and restoration for some of the abuses they have been subjected to.

Although, I can see the present Israeli administration trying to ignore the current World opinion and lead to a period of isolation for Israel.

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The next step will be “full membership” of the UN by the Palestinian State.

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Interesting times!

I thought as much, Well if that's the case why don't they do something else for a living instead of acting like a poodle to the yanks on our behalf.

unfair .... if that was the case, uk would vote against

Fed up with this Country acting like another state of America. This is the UK and I expect our success Governments to have realised and acted as such and not like a lap dog for the Yanks..

excuse me, but you can't have your cake and eat it - see above
there are only 3 options in this vote - for or against or abstain
usa is against
uk is tending or actually for and at worst would abstain, but i think that's unlikely

The States always side with Israel when it comes to it and so do we, thats what I'm talking about. Nothing to do with cakes.

Stan,

The present government is looking more and more out of touch with the present World opinion and harken back to the days of the Empire.

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The UK under tory leadership has always acting on self interest, but never as blatantly as the present government, which is isolating the UK and any influences it still may have.

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The economic policies, European and the Humanitarian Legal policies, the general "foreign" policies and now reform of Press regulations are out of touch.

The present cabinet is acting like 6th form old Etonians on hash.

Good government sometimes needs courageous actions, not short termed policies which are seen as politically expedient made for internal party benefits attempting to keep party funding going and the gang in power.

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