Even many U.N. delegates and gun control activists believe this process was put on hold due to presidential campaign concerns.

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And I wonder if that means it makes you less open to the Palestinian campaign for recognition of statehood before the U.N. this fall.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama & Prime Minister Cameron Joint Press Availability | The White House

U.N. officials say the Syrian campaign has claimed more than 8, 000 lives, while opposition activists put the toll at more than 9, 000 -- most of them civilians.

CNN: Syrian rebels move in on key Damascus neighborhood