U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice last month called for the creation of a "new Middle East" out of the wreckage of the current crisis that erupted when the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers led to a confrontation between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Not long before Hamas in the Gaza area had kidnapped an Israeli soldier from his post.

A "new Middle East" will arise—but not in the way world leaders might imagine.

Most leaders agree this latest crisis has derailed any remnant of the "road map" to peace initiative. There is no viable peace plan in place now, and only the most optimistic hold on to the hopes of the Oslo peace plan begun in 1993. That plan created the Palestinian Authority, an organization that has now been eclipsed by the rise of the militant Hamas faction in this year's elections. One of Israel's greatest nightmares came to pass when Hamas, whose charter calls for the overthrow of the state of Israel, won a democratic election and came to the reins of legitimate power.

In Lebanon Hezbollah holds the largest set of minority seats within the Lebanese parliament. They, too, are dedicated to the elimination of Israel. These two groups, using democracy to further their goals of terrorism on Israel, present the gravest challenge to President George W. Bush's stated goal of promoting democracy in the Middle East. President Bush has expressed deep desire to see freedom influence the region, creating the setting for a peaceful resolution of the long conflict. To that end he has committed troops to Afghanistan and Iraq to change the regimes and install new democratic systems. Democracy has yet to defeat the totalitarian elements and secure the peace.

Some say President Bush has a naive faith in democracy. In the whole range of history, democracy is a relatively modern phenomenon. History is more the story of monarchies and totalitarian governments. The clash of events around today's world discourage faith that democracy, in whatever form, will secure the peace and freedoms of people. Students of history recall that Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany through the ballot box and within months had used the machinery of power to turn Germany into a dictatorship.

In the short term, U.S.-allied Arab states, such as Egypt and Jordan, may close down channels by which radical Islamist groups within their borders can gain power. They cannot risk the chance these groups could overthrow current governments. If this happens, don't look for America to offer much protest.

Where will a new Middle East arise? How will a lasting peace that ensures basic human freedoms be brought to the suffering masses displaced by war? In Lebanon and Israel we see the faces of people whose lives have been torn apart by bombs and killing that are ripping the fabric of their society. Innocents continue to suffer while governments pursue ineffective strategies that offer no hope for a prosperous future.

There is a crying need for a "new Middle East," but it will not come at the hands of humans. The Bible shows it will come with the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. Isaiah tells us, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end" (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Democracy will not vote this government into power. No peace conference will create the basis for the rule of Jesus Christ on this earth. It will come despite the best and worst of human efforts. Only then, with the restoration of the government of the Kingdom of God, will peace and freedom ring throughout the world. WNP