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As the battle in Syria continues, the world's attention is on Geneva where ideas for sustainable diplomatic solutions are being tested behind closed doors.
And as we hear amazing news of Government figures from America and Russia in fresh conversation, we are daring to hope for new pathways through the carnage in the days and months ahead. Anything can happen.
But this week, other scenes have drawn our attention to the ancient town of Maalula: a town of no strategic importance, but the mountains in which it has nestled for centuries is a military vantage point.
And so the culture of conflict has come here too.
UN investigators are reporting the murder of Christians and Shia Muslims in the town. And in turn, this has led to claims and counter-claims, that the news has been calculated to precipitate military action.
As we've heard this week, the Aramaic spoken in Maalula is a rare linguistic trophy in our age. It is as close as we are likely to get to the language of Jesus and the pre-Christian culture it represents.
But a new moral madness has taken hold of the place.
Mindless vandalism, and the pillaging of relics is obliterating its incredible heritage; and with it, some of the ancient values which will be sorely needed to rebuild community and continuity.

This biblical language of 'ancient paths' from the prophet Jeremiah would be recognized in this small town:
Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls...