The war in Afghanistan, the Lockerbie Pan Am bombing and the European financial crisis - these are the most controversial issues that the political leadership in Europe and the UK has had to face in recent times.

And David Miliband, the British foreign minister, has either witnessed or has played a part in all of these issues.

Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi, the man convicted for bombing the Pan Am jet over Lockerbie, Scotland, died recently in Libya, almost three years after his release from a British jail.

Al-Megrahi's was a freedom that was won controversially while Miliband served as foreign minister.

And more recently, Miliband tried to become the leader of the opposition Labour Party in his country, but lost that election to Ed Miliband, his brother.

Now, as new leaders enter the troubled arena of European politics, some say David Miliband is just waiting anxiously for his return.

We invited him toTalk to Al Jazeera to explore all this.

Talk to Al Jazeera can be seen on Al Jazeera English each week at the following times GMT: Saturday: 0430; Sunday: 0830, 1930; and Monday: 1430. Click here for more Talk to Al Jazeera