The Gadaffi gambit: world peace talks

The Libyan government is floating a proposal to host an international peace conference on the Middle East. It would focus on the crisis in Iraq, but would also embrace Iran and the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon.

The Gadaffi family have indicated that their preferred co-chairmen are Mikhail Gorbachev and Bill Clinton. They enquired about Nelson Mandela, but were politely told that he is now too sick to travel.

It sounds fanciful, of course; a bit of left-field thinking by the clan Gadaffi and the Libyan government. Maybe. But it might be just about the only thing going - and such meetings have borne fruit in the past.

One of the architects of the plan is Saif Gadaffi (right), who has a good record in negotiating with difficult parties, including jihadi hostage-takers in the Philippines.