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AMIT SHABI / REUTERS he land Abraham is said to have been given by God sits at a busy continental crossroads that has been claimed, conquered and carved up by armies since recorded time. Today, the Israelis and Palestinians — whose dominant religious roots both trace to Abraham — continue a long and bitter fight for control of the area.      Both groups rely on force, aid from stronger nations and persuasive arguments that tell why each has a rightful claim to the land, and why the other does not.      These arguments encompass a range of thorny issues: religion, history, politics and national identity. Here's a look at those issues, and how the children of Abraham came to be locked in this era's most intractable conflict. More Discussion guide | Reader comments | Photo gallery  1800 B.C.E. (Before Common Era) 1960 2002  COMMON ROOTS Both Jews and Muslims trace their history to Abraham; both claim revered religious sites in the Holy Land. THE REVOLTS The 19th century saw the rise of nationalism for both Jews and the Arabs of Palestine. THE ENDLESS WARS Israel declared statehood in 1948. What followed has been a series of wars and United Nations resolutions. BARRIERS TO PEACE Egypt made peace with Israel in 1978, and the Oslo Agreement in 1993 initiated sporadic peace talks. WHAT NOW? Who are the protagonists, Yasser Arafat and Ariel Sharon? What are the prospects for a Palestinian state? Photo gallery The Israeli- Palestinian story in photos. Discussion guide Questions and activities to help teachers and parents better explore this site, and guide student discussions about the conflict in the Middle East. Reader comments A place for your thoughts about this special section.

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