15 MARCH 2008

Finally, after ten years, Kofi Annan focused long enough on a problem to help settle it. There were no incense burners to distract his attention by reminding him perpetually of his "rock star" status. No handlers to see how best they could squeeze him to their advantage. No "team" members to push their own demands. He was just by himself, being himself.

Facing a conflict, he approached it with sensitive understanding. He listened intently. He gave the impression that he cared. More to the point, he stayed with it. The patience and determination of the real Kofi Annan, the Kofi Annan we knew and liked years ago, before his royal repackaging, reappeared on the Kenyan scene. An internationalist with African roots and an African with international credentials. He did it. Well done.