Compounds of the formula: wherein the dotted line represents an optional bond; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein X1 is an alkyl bridge optionally containing an O, S, or N heteroatom that forms an aliphatic 5-7 membered ring and is optionally substituted by one or more of halo, OR, SR, NR2, RCO, COOR, CONR2, OOCR, or NROCR where R is H or alkyl (1-6C), or by one or more CN or═O, or by one or more aliphatic or aromatic 5- or 6-membered rings optionally containing 1-2 heteroatoms; R1 is  wherein X2 is CO or an isostere thereof; m is 0 or 1; Y is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted arylalkyl or two Y taken together may form an alkylene (2-3C) bridge; n is 0-4; Z1 is CH or N; X3 is CH or CHR where R is H or alkyl (1-6C), or an isostere thereof; and Ar, R2 and R3 are as defined in the specification. These compounds are selective inhibitors of p38&agr; kinase.