Have you read "Mystery of Capital"? I've hoped more people would've picked up on De Soto, but yours is the first comment.
Yes, I have read it. Having lived in Mexico I can attest to the truth of what he says. The so-called Third World is filled with hard-working, ambitious people held back by terrible governments. All they need is the proper environment to unleash their talents. Why do you think the grandchildren of impoverished Sicilian or Polish or Mexican peasants become millionaires or CEO's or doctors here?
Unfortunately, the very people who would have to institute the reforms de Soto recommends would be the people most harmed by them. Nevertheless, de Soto's thesis is actually very optimistic since he says merely legal changes and not the far more difficult cultural changes are all that is necessary to tackle poverty.