Representing the UN and the Arab League, Brahimi is one of the world's most experienced mediators. The Algerian diplomat, now 80, has been involved in conflict resolution from ending Lebanon's 15-year civil war to the Bonn negotiations on Afghanistan after 9/11 and the fall of the Taliban, as well as arranging Iraq's first free elections in 2004. He took over the Syria role after former UN secretary general Kofi Annan quit in frustration in August 2012. Renowned for his patience and creativity – will need both qualities in abundance to keep the Geneva II negotiating show on the road. "He feels a responsibility to try and help the Syrian people even though he has been criticised by all parties," says a colleague. "There's no thanks for his efforts.