The Palestinian Authority’s recent request to the United Nations for a resolution to create a Palestinian state has prompted skeptical reactions from both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian issue, reports Gulf News. Staunch supporters of each perspective accuse the other of being disingenuous and deceitful, while some analysts say that President Obama may still have the political capital to achieve a lasting peace agreement.

While Obama’s speech in Cairo sent a clear and unambiguous message to Israel, the president has failed to follow up on his adamant initial requests, accuses the Gulf News editorial.

“[Obama] clearly sees it as in Israel’s long-term security interest and the US national interest to reach a fair settlement on the Palestinian conflict,” the article surmises. “[But] Israelis have a record of turning against leaders who place the vital US alliance in jeopardy.”

However, Raghida Dergham at Dar Al-Hayat believes that now is not the time for Palestinians to confront the Obama Administration. She writes that if the Palestinians push too hard now, they may force Obama and other potential supporters to back Israel at Palestine’s expense.

“It is important for [Palestinians] to remember that international legitimacy is by their side,” Dergham says. She advises against underestimating Obama or dismissing his “patient and obedient” style. “His political record is filled with those who mistakenly believed him to be the weak side of the equation,” she remarks.

The conflict still remains highly personal and emotionally charged for both sides, and many commentators continue to underscore the opposition’s negative qualities.

“Inspired by a combination of Islamic, Nazi, and Communist tactics, many Arabs also employ the ‘big lie technique’ against Israel, the Jewish people, and the US,” claims Richard Shulman at the Examiner. He cites the Internet, Western journalism, and the academic world as culprits in propagating “the big lie.”

Conversely, Bouthaina Shaaban at Asharq-Alawsat calls Israeli officials “criminals” and asserts that the Israelis are lying about Israel’s laws regarding Arabs, justification of settlements, and Israel’s stated intentions in the region. Shaaban also accuses the Arab media of being too soft and Arab leaders of being too lenient towards Israel.

“The time has not yet come for a [Palestinian] confrontation with the US administration... and this is what those who call for inciting outbidding, confrontation and media boasting should be wary of," concludes Dergham at Dar Al-Hayat.