There is a perceived threat from Israel, which is seen as linked to the United States. The economic, political and military power of the West frustrates those Muslims who feel their religion is superior to any other. They don't know how to deal with the overwhelming economic, military and political superiority of the West.

Their latest response to a bad situation is strapping explosives on their bodies, killing themselves and Israelis. We see this almost daily, and indications are that it will continue, regardless of any negotiated "peace." One of the most poignant scenes was in a recent video showing a Palestinian mother with her son, who was armed and ready to destroy himself in a lone attack on Israelis. She was proud of what her son was about to do. She said that if she had a dozen sons, she would send them out to kill the enemy-meaning Israel. The next day the boy killed himself and others in an attack.

It is a bankrupt culture that proudly sends the flower of its youth to their death, while papering it over with a mask of dignity.

Recent reports tell of three boys-ages 13 to 15-who left farewell letters to their parents and took some makeshift explosives made from firecrackers and knives and headed for the Jewish town of Netzarim, where they were killed by soldiers defending the settlement. One source says Islamic Jihad sent them.

Not all Palestinians agree with those who encourage self-destruction in their decades-old cause. Outraged parents spoke out saying that the young should be taught to grow up and study so they can fill responsible roles in a future society.

The Palestinians suffer from a failed leadership, which for more than 50 years has lacked a vision to craft a society in which the young can grow up with a positive hope. The politics of the Palestinian cause has squandered a generation of opportunity. On the other hand, Israel's response, though intended to protect its citizens, does not contain the seeds of a lasting peace. So the world waits and looks for a new idea with the hope that peace can be achieved.

Some say we are witnessing the clash of civilizations in the Middle East. The reality is an ancient clash between two branches of the family of the biblical patriarch Abraham. If the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael could find their way back to the God of Abraham, they would discover a way of life that would enable them to reconcile the age-long animosity.

In Genesis 17:1-2 God said to Abram, "Walk in My ways and be blameless. I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and I will make you exceedingly numerous" (Jewish Publication Society). This covenant of perfection contains the needed seeds of peace for today's conflict between all nations, not just the Arabs and Israelis. These seeds lead people to commit to life, not death.

The streets of Jerusalem and Bethlehem continue to wait for the safety that will allow children and adults to walk and work together. It will take a restoration of the way of God to bring an end to the tense and uncertain climate. The words of Psalm 122 carry a poignant urgency today: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." WNP