Mahmoud Abbas, chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and President of the Palestinian Authority (PA), has made a formal request to the United Nations for recognition of the State of Palestine. The United States has vowed to veto the effort, which requires approval of the UN Security Council. Both moves are rife with uncertainty and the possibility of unforeseen repercussions.

Was this a good strategic move by the Palestinians? How will the US veto of a Palestinian state be viewed by other Arab and MIddle Eastern countries? Will the Palestinian effort to gain formal recognition as a state -- whether or not it is vetoed by the US -- help propel new movement in the so-called "peace process" or will it mark the end of those efforts?

Our guest, Joel Beinin, one of the country's top experts on the Israel-Palestine conflict, answers these and many other questions this new direction in the long-lasting conflict will no doubt inspire.

Beinin also gives us a report on his latest trip to the region, where he continues his research for a new book about young Israelis and Palestinians organizing together to demand justice for Palestinians and an end to the Israeli occupation.