What makes for a successful transition from a poor colonial state to one that grows and gains political stability? Simple - one decent politician (just one is needed) who will step down after one or two terms as president rather than become president for life and the basic institutional structure to create markets - property rights and the rule of law.

It's not that complicated, but a tough combination to find. See Ralph Peters' New York Post column on the recent progress in Mozambique that fits this model.