No one would be held responsible for making unpalatable decisions, especially the Germans as Merkel heads into an election year.

FORBES: Eurogroup Meets, Could Kick Greek Can Into 2015

Far from surprising, such a precipitous pace was entirely predictable given the strong encouragement the West Germans had been receiving from allied capitals -- especially the United States -- for their bilateral entente with the USSR.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

If a majority of EU countries - especially the French, Germans and British - support Palestinian recognition at the UN that could make life very uncomfortable for Israel.

BBC: Palestinians head for UN state showdown