This small, professional force succeeded where a much larger but poorly-organised UN force had failed, by hitting the rebels hard and restoring some basic functions of government.

ECONOMIST: Intervention that worked | The

"There are so many small businesses in Asia that are professional in dealing with buyers but can't afford the software necessary to link up with the networks of large buyers overseas, " says Douwe Cramer, president of Global Sources' e-commerce division.

CNN: Grandaddy of Them All

The study found a small number of patients had seen a health professional to talk about emotional problems - but more patients would have liked this support.

BBC: 'More support needed' for patients after intensive care

We may care passionately about the integrity of the Olympics or professional cycling or so on, but they only directly affect a very small number of us.

CNN: Are bionic superhumans on the horizon?

But such an investment in great teaching would be small compared to what is being spent now on professional development that too often shows little results.

CNN: Bill Gates: Invest in better teaching