Ignoring threats by the United States to veto his plea for Palestinian statehood recognition at the United Nations Security Council in New York next week, President Mahmoud Abbas has vowed to press ahead, insisting such a move is the only viable option after decades of failed peace negotiations with Israel.

Speaking at his headquarters in Ramallah in the West Bank Friday, Abbas said he would be seeking acknowledgement of a Palestinian state at the U.N. Security Council meeting, saying, "We need to have full membership at the U.N. ... We need a state, a seat at the United Nations."

“We are going to the Security Council," Abbas said. "[It is] our decision, which we have conveyed to everyone. It is our legitimate right to demand the full membership of the state of Palestine in the U.N." more >>

Tuesday's New York special election for former Rep. Anthony Weiner’s seat may be an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats alike to express their disenchantment with President Obama’s economic politics, which could result in a landmark victory for GOP candidate Robert Turner.

New Yorkers in congressional District 9 are heading to the polls to elect a replacement for Weiner after his resignation over inappropriate pictures and messages he sent via Twitter.

Turner, a businessman and the Republican contender, told reporters this morning that he expects to win. more >>

A gay, Orthodox Jewish man, Rabbi Arele Harel, has stunned religious communities by creating a dating service that sets up gay, Orthodox Jewish men with gay, Orthodox Jewish women.

The extraordinary unions seek to sidestep common ethical values and are being set up to simply help gay and lesbian individuals have children, Rabbi Harel says. He says that is what matters.

"The main aspiration here is parenthood," Harel, 36, told the The Associated Press from his home in the West Bank. "It allows them to become parents in a way that is permitted by religious Jewish law and prevents a conflict between their religious world and their sexual world." more >>

Scientists at a university in Israel believe they have discovered an ancient burial box belonging to the family of the high priest who played a part in the crucifixion of Jesus as described in the Bible.

The burial box, or ossuary, was recovered from looters three years ago by the Israel Antiquities Authority.

On close examination the ossuary was found to have a rare inscription mentioning the names "Miriam," "Yeshua," and "Caiaphus." more >>

Republican presidential hopeful Herman Cain says if he were commander-in-chief and Iran attacked Israel, he would not “sit back and wait” to get permission from the United Nations before retaliating in cooperation with the Jewish nation.

The Baptist minister and CEO, speaking with the Washington Times Monday, cautioned that the very first option in his “Cain Doctrine” would be to explain the Unites States' policy in regard to Israel.

Reporters had asked the Republican candidate if he agreed with former United Nations Ambassador John Bolton's comment that a preemptive strike against Iran was the only option to prevent that nation from advancing its nuclear weapons program since diplomacy has failed to deter them. more >>

Religious leaders from the Evangelical, Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox Churches have called upon President Obama to take “bold action” to establish peace in Israel and Palestine.

In a letter drafted by “Churches for Middle East Peace” this week the president was urged to make a clear and bold stance in advance of the United Nations General Assembly in the fall.

The letter urges Obama to make a statement that “addresses all final status issues, including the need for Jerusalem in the future to be the shared capital of both states, a just resolution on the issue of all refugees, and assured access for all faiths to their holy places.” more >>