U.S. Losing Power at U.N. Over Palestine
UNESCO could soon grant the Palestinians membership, a move that would see the U.S. resign and could spur a chain of similar situations. At what cost to the U.S.?
What’s the Latest Development?
UNESCO is tipped to soon admit the Palestinians, a move that would see the U.S. resign because of a 20-year-old law forbidding it to pay dues to any U.N. body that accepts Palestine as a member. UNESCO’s move would trigger Palestinian membership in the U.N.’s World Intellectual Property Organization, and could pave the way for acceptance in other U.N. entities.
What’s the Big Idea?
“Palestinians will continue to seek membership in the U.N.’s many specialized agencies and, each time they succeed, the U.S. will have to resign from another world body, thereby losing influence and input on international issues,” says Timothy E. Wirth, president of the United Nations Foundation and former U.S. senator.
