The Palestinians received a welcome surprise this week from the Obama team: a major upgrade of their diplomatic status.I suppose the ending of anti-Semitic incitement and the ending of Palestinian lobbying for boycotts of Israel were not even broached as a quid pro quo.This was an unexpected treat, according to the Palestinians: The PA has been seeking an upgrade in diplomatic relations ever since U.S. President Barack Obama took office last year. But after 18 months without progress, it was surprised to suddenly receive a letter from the State Department on Tuesday announcing that the U.S. had agreed. The letter was sent to Maen Areikat, who heads the PLO mission in Washington.The Americans began seriously considering the upgrade two weeks ago as one of several steps it intends to take in an effort to entice Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas into direct talks with Israel. A week ago, American officials contacted both the Israeli embassy in Washington and the Prime Minister's Office...(Read Full Post)