I have always understood the sword verse to be the platform upon which the delusions are built. I think most reasonable people understand that it's not the religion itself, but generations of brainwashing susceptible individuals.
I think the US style gang analogy someone pointed out is a pretty good one, but the differences in the groups' overarching goals lend to these tragic murders of innocent people.
I don't have a good answer for what to do. It's important to put things in proper perspective and not stoop to your enemies level. So anyone who wants to just wipe out the Middle East is way off base, but I don't think ignoring it is the way to go either.
As with most things it will take time, but I would focus on improving relations with the young disenfranchised muslim community at home. In many cases their situations make them prone to radicalization from recruiters. I'm sure this will be labeled a weak response.