European diplomat: Ground has shifted on Palestine

European diplomat suggests that Mahmoud Abbas' Palestinian statehood bid has changed the complexion of the debate:

"The ground has shifted. There's been no peace process to speak of for years. Obama has tried and failed to push Netanyahu in to taking negotiations seriously. There's a feeling that this crisis has created a moment to try a different way.

"It's still negotiations. It's still up to the Israelis and Palestinians, who have to do the deal. But we are all aware that the Arab Spring is changing everything and, while the Americans are always going to play a major role, we may be moving towards a place where they are not the only ones in the game."