Almost overshadowed in the recent days of diplomatic tussle between the U.S. and Israel is the Palestinian Authority, whose leaders have been watching with concern - and perhaps a little amusement. It's not often Palestinians get to see the U.S. and Israel clash so publicly. On Wednesday, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said his government would not participate in U.S.-brokered indirect peace talks unless Israel halts all housing construction in East Jerusalem -- the issue that has driven a wedge between the U.S. and Israel. [Read the full article]