Will the Palestine independence vote at the United Nations get scuppered -- before it even gets to a vote? Here's the latest:

The standing committee on new members is tasked with deciding whether the territory known as Palestine meets the criteria for statehood, including possession of a defined territory and a recognized government. Under the U.N. Charter, a new member must also be “peace-loving.”

"Hello, Mr. Abbas? This is the UN calling. We've been going through your application and we just noticed a few anomalies.

"Could you provide a map of your proposed state? Oh, you haven't negotiated the border with Israel, yet? I see. No, not necessarily an issue, but it might be...

"Well, let me ask you, is your organization able to provide effective government in the Gazan portion of your territory? Oh? You're not kidding? The population there is ruled by an internationally-recognized terrorist organization? I'm sorry, I didn't hear that -- you're now unified with this terrorist organization? Oh, dear.

"I'm sorry, I did't catch that? You're heading to a ceremony for a public square that the Palestinian Authority is naming in honor of a suicide bomber? Is that what you said? I think I've got a bad line here.

"No, of course not. No, Mahmoud, I'm almost sure your application will be approved. We're just doing our due diligence. We'll be in touch."