Those distinctly Russian advantages persuaded enough investors that, for all its risks, Rosneft was worth a punt.

ECONOMIST: Rosneft's competitive advantage

For all the enormous challenges still facing Mali - and its neighbours for that matter - it is perhaps worth clinging on to some of the optimism that seems to have flooded through the country over the past month.

BBC: Attacks jolt Mali and France out of complacency

It is worth mentioning that the ANC, for all its flaws, has plenty of good people - and achievements - under its belt.

BBC: Why South Africa is like a Mexican soap opera