As reported by the BBC at the link Grab provided, Sharon said he had visited Temple Mount (also known as Haram al-Sharif) "with a message of peace." I took this to be self-serving cynicism of the highest order, and like Grab I have assumed that the present unrest was sparked by that incident.

Could Irwin or anyone else say if I've been led to an over-simplistic reading of Sharon's behavour? But Irwin, don't take this post as part of a ganging-up against you - I know he didn't get your vote, so it's not down to you to explain his actions.