IN August 1947, in the episodic manner of a flash in a newsreel, the affairs of the Sudan were thrown into the glare of world publicity when Egypt accused Britain, among other things, of depriving her of the Sudan. When the case was being discussed by the Security Council there were certain dark and fine-looking men at Lake Success, speaking excellent English and, with one impressive exception, wearing European dress, who claimed to represent the Sudanese nation and to decide its destiny. Unfortunately they did not all claim the same destiny.
After one of the largest economic contractions in history, South Sudan is ready to make a comeback. Bringing the country's oil rigs back online will result in some immediate gains. Since oil production might have already reached its peak, however, long-term growth will likely come from exploiting the country's vast agricultural land.
