U.S. criticized for denying Mahmoud Abbas visa to attend UN as Palestinian statehood set for discussion

The U.S. says it won't allow Mahmoud Abbas entry to the U.S., where he was set to attend a world leaders' gathering in New York City at the United Nations, prompting a spokesperson for the Palestinian president to call for Washington to reverse its decision. Canada and several other countries have said they're prepared to recognize Palestinian statehood at the meeting.