Viewpoints: Art and Architecture as Locus for Dialogue: The Holy Place as a Common Ground for Dialogue

Abstract

This year has been in many ways deeply distressing. Sadam Hussein, while preparing the way, along with the various hawks of the West, for a confrontation of armed forces reminiscent of an apocalyptic armageddon, has looked forward to a time when he and Arafat can pray together in the Holy city of Jerusalem. Meanwhile on the banks of the River Ganges Hindus and Muslims have laid claims to a plot of land which for different reasons each holds to be sacred. The confrontation threatens to tear Indian spiritual unity apart, setting person against person in bloody conflict.