"Few professions are more needed today -- and less understood -- than the job of an international conflict mediator. Harriet Martin's vivid story-telling helps us get inside the minds and hearts of six master mediators so we can learn what they do, why they do it, how they fail, and how they succeed. A wonderful read - I recommend it highly!" William Ury, co-author "Getting to Yes" and author, The "Third Side" "A fascinating read... the inside story of some of the world's most intractable conflicts, Harriet Martin has secured access to some of the world's most impressive diplomats and she tells their stories with flair." Owen Bennett-Jones, BBC Newshour presenter and author of Pakistan: Eye of the Storm In this highly readable book, Harriet Martin has shed a bright light on the personalities and tactics of modern conflict mediators -- individuals who are rarely heralded, and almost never studied, and yet whose decisions affect the lives of millions. Martin's tales from the front will change the way we see the role of foreigners in conflict. The lessons she draws - if heeded - could dramatically improve the peace-makers' odds. Samantha Power, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "A Problem from Hell": "America and the Age of Genocide"

Harriet Martin worked for a number of years in Fleet Street as a journalist. She has also worked for BBC Radio. Now married to an official at the UN, she lives in Geneva.

Introduction by Kofi Annan; Conflict: Iraq; Lebanon, Afghanistan; Conflict: Israel Palestine. Conflict: Southern Sudan; Conflict: Aceh, Indonesia; Conflict: Sri Lanka; Conflict: Cyprus.