But Rennie's intervention was as the honest peace-maker, in the fashion of someone stepping in to stop a bar-room brawl.

BBC: Rennie must not face rap

That Mr Rathod emerged alive, and even clutching a provisional deal, is probably thanks to the arrival of a peace maker: Richard Gitlin, a government-appointed mediator.

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It was probably Mr Bozize's biggest political mistake, as it opened the way for Mr Djotodia to shrewdly play the dual role of peace-maker and rebel leader until he finally seized power in Bangui.

BBC: Michel Djotodia: Central African Republic rebel leader

Nationalist voters still seem inclined to give Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein's leader, the benefit of the considerable doubt that now clouds his reputation as genuine peace-maker in London, Dublin and Washington.

ECONOMIST: Northern Ireland: Impending doom | The

The pioneer in bringing peace of mind to family or neighbours is Zojirushi, Japan's biggest maker of rice cookers and electric kettles, which in Japan keep water hot all day for tea or miso soup.

ECONOMIST: The grey market