By Tom Ryan, Kansas City Star Reader Advisory Panel

It’s both things, with the Dome or the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque. Violence there again today after a few weeks of quiet. This ground seems to be a central place of faith, conflict, interpretation and symbolism.

In the interest of balance:

- a report from Israel

- Al Jazeera’s report

Perhaps when the peace talks stall, when the rockets fly, and the bombers bomb, we can pause and reflect upon this place.

Who has the corner on the “sacred place” market?

As this place cannot serve as a meeting place for peace talks and gatherings, may I suggest that the Dalai Lama establish a nice big airy white tent at Abraham’s birthplace city of Ur in Iraq. One could say this is where it all started.

Open the tent wide…allow anyone to visit and chat.