The League of Extraordinary Gentlepeople

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's actually a bunch of geriatric politicians and dignitaries! According to the New York Times, former South African president and patriot Nelson Mandela, retired Anglican archbishop Desmond Tutu, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the human rights activist and former Irish president Mary Robinson, and other notables have joined forces to "launch diplomatic assaults on the globe’s most intractable problems." The group calls themselves the Elders, named to model the hierarchical elders in African village societies, and are funded by the British business mogul Richard Branson and musician Peter Gabriel (formerly of Genesis). Mandela commented that "together we will work to support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair."

Though it's too early to see the results of this elite diplomatic force, some of the issues they may tackle include climate change, the genocide in Darfur, and the elimination of global poverty. One thing's for sure--their help will certainly be well used.