The day of truth dawns for the Palestinians

“The Palestinian bid for longed-for although indirect recognition as a state is expected to pass easily when presented to the 193-nation General Assembly in New York on Thursday.

There are dissenters, though; a handful of states, including Israel and the US, are expected to vote against.

US diplomats have made a last-ditch attempt to persuade Mahmoud Abbas to opt for dialogue with Israel.

A few European member states have voiced doubts but, despite their objections, almost half of the 27 have pledged their support. There is also strong backing from the developing world.”