DESPERATION

Son: Gaddafi Would Accept Elections

And relinquish office if he lost.

As he clings to power in the face of NATO bombardment, Muammar Gaddafi continues to seek a deal to remain in power. The latest offer, presented by his son: the longtime leader would agree to hold elections, and would leave office if he lost. "They could be held within three months. At the maximum by the end of the year, and the guarantee of transparency could be the presence of international observers," said Saif al-Islam Gaddafi. The offer—the latest of many—seems calculated not to appease rebels fighting against his forces but instead to sow discord among the Western nations backing airstrikes, perhaps inducing them to split over whether to accept the proposal. China and Russia have expressed reservations, while President Obama is being hammered by Congress over his authority to wage the war.