Some voices in the US Congress are reportedly suggesting that the US cut back its financial contribution to the UN system and withdraw from some of its main bodies, such as the UN Human Rights Council, if the UN General Assembly votes in favour of recognising an independent Palestinian state during its fall session.
If accepted, this position would be a replica of previous, failed, short-term tactics adopted by the US to voice displeasure with the international organisation’s actions on Israel, which has a continued track record of violation of international resolutions and norms.

Fortunately, the US reversed course on such shortsighted and self-defeating tactics – like when it withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO, in response to what it perceived as hostile international action against Israel.

The long-term implications of such failed policies are serious, and the US must not fall into the same trap every time it is displeased with some UN resolution or another on Israel. read more