"Diplomatic isolation is actually helpful in the North Korean government’s efforts to keep its people ignorant about the outside world."

Korean studies specialist Andrei Lankov examines the rationale behind North Korea's provocative behaviour, arguing that isolating the country will only help to reinforce the dangerous status quo.

"Only you, Mr President, can turn things around in the dying Israeli-Palestinian peace process… You are our only – and probably last – hope.”

As the US President arrives in the Middle East for meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, former senior Israeli diplomat Alon Liel urges him to rescue the moribund peace process.

“The year 2012 might be a great opportunity for the West to dramatically improve relations with North Korea. We should give Kim Jong Un a chance. What do we have to lose?”

Rudiger Frank, Professor of East Asian Economy and Society at the University of Vienna, argues that the West should seize the opportunity to actively engage the new and unencumbered leader in Pyongyang who will make economic growth his top priority and who feels uneasy about China’s influence.

“It may be hard to measure their direct impact on the global task of ending child marriage, but this visit, for me at least, has me convinced that The Elders are creating a real tipping point.”

Pam Omidyar, founder of Humanity United and member of The Elders' Advisory Council, blogs about joining the Elders in India and their efforts to elevate the issue of child marriage.

Youth movement leader Tal Madar considers the nature of leadership following a meeting with the Elders.