With almost one year of non-stop violence and nearly one thousand casualties, the land Israel is undoubtedly the primary concern of world politics today.

It all started when one man dared to step inside the holy place of the Muslims above the Temple Mount, Ariel Sharon, who is now Israel's Prime Minister. Today the enemies of Israel nation are not ready to stop their terrorist acts and vowed to continue them in spite of international pleas for a ceasefire.

A Bible prophecy declares Israel's present role in the Middle East:

Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah [and] against Jerusalem.

And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

(Zechariah 12:2,3)

Indeed, the Arab world is very upset at Israel's stubbornness and continued disregard of PLO's appeal. Iran, Iraq and Syria are now declaring open war with Israel government by supporting Arab terrorist movements. The European Union is now seriously considering a trade embargo of Israeli products exported to Europe.

The Arab world's plot against Israel has been going on for decades. But this small nation has survived. Amazingly, her economy steadily grew. Her military power continues to be a threat to her enemies. There is no doubt Israel will retaliate at any harm done its citizens.

How long the status quo will continue, we cannot tell. Both sides are willing and determined to fight tooth and nail for their causes. What is inevitable, however, is a regional war that may soon spark out of this conflict - or is it going on already? - and the damage it will do to Middle East citizens, especially the Arabs.

Past Editorials: