The prime minister's greatest fault in this matter is neither his naivety (if that is what it is) about the nature of Mr Desmond's activities nor even his unwillingness to make judgments about those who wish to associate with him.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

Sir Bobby Robson claimed Gazza was as "daft as a brush" and his immature behaviour and naivety was excused because it was seen as central to his desire to be the subject of the attention and affection he craved.

BBC: The tears and joy of Gazza

But should that not happen, his current diplomacy will be seen as an exercise in naivety.

ECONOMIST: Palestinians

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has accused the British government of bullying and naivety in its approach to the conflict in his country.

BBC: Syria conflict: Assad accuses UK of bullying

Mr McCain regards his steadfastness on Iraq as one of his chief selling points, and accuses Barack Obama, who opposed the invasion from the first, of naivety about foreign affairs.

ECONOMIST: A spokesman speaks out