Calls to recognize Palestine as a state are much debated. Advocates say the move would have legal and symbolic power. But critics argue that it won't change the situation on the ground or solve the real problems.
Although Germany does not consider Palestine a country, a majority of the world's states — 139 out of a total of 193 — at the United Nations do. What's significant this time, though, is that recognition is apparently being reconsidered by the US, a country that has previously vetoed almost every attempt to make Palestine a country.
The UK also seems to be thinking about it even though in the past, the country has been just as opposed to the move as the US.
I'm not a huge fan of the UN, but I'm also convinced we would have had a nuclear war by now if it didn't exist to allow communication and mediation between the world's governments.