FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 16, 2012 file photo, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks during a meeting of the Palestinian leadership at his compound in the West Bank city of Ramallah. After bitter rival Hamas fought Israel to a draw in Gaza, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has no choice but to ignore strong U.S. objections and seek U.N. recognition of a state of Palestine next week. But even such recognition may not be enough for the Western-backed backed proponent of a peace deal with Israel to stay credible as a leader and counter the soaring popularity of Gaza&#39;s Hamas militants. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed, File)
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