In 1948, the UN took the land from the country of Palestine, with the goal of forming both an Israeli and Palestinian Nations.

As a result, there have been many wars in the region -- some instigated by Israel, including the takeover of the Gaza Strip (1956) and the seizure of the West Bank and Golan Heights (1967). Additionally, Israel failed to uphold their end of the two most promising peace treaties -- the Camp David Accords (1979) and the Oslo Accords (1993 and 1995). Both of these signed agreements called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the West Bank and Gaza Strip as well as the formation of an autonomous Palestinian State.

The killing of innocent people is completely unacceptable; but it is the price of war. Whether it's a war against terror in which innocent people are killed by stray bullets and bombs, or a war for freedom where people will use any means necessary to re-establish a country that was taken from them. Both sides have valid arguments to support their respective claims and both have squandered many opportunities for lasting peace in selfish pursuit of their own goals.

The conflict and bloodshed in the Middle East will continue as long as policy is dictated by one-sided, confrontational thinking -- both by the leaders over there and in our words and actions over here.

My only hope is that above any political agenda or personal bias, we can stand for what is truly right.