In spite of intense opposition from the United States, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is expected to formally ask the United Nations Security Council to recognize Palestine as a full member of the U.N. today. The Palestinian bid for statehood has  overshadowed  nearly everything that has happened at the U.N. this week. In a speech on Wednesday, President Obama voiced his  disapproval  of the Palestinian plan,  saying  “Peace will not come through statements and resolutions at the U.N.” The U.S. has vowed to veto the move. Dr. Mustafa Barghouti, secretary general of the Palestinian National Initiative, and 2005 candidate for the presidency of the Palestinian National Authority, gives the Palestinian perspective on statehood and responds to comments made on yesterday’s program by former Israeli Ambassador Dore Gold.