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The document argues that the US-Afghan relationship failed because Washington prioritised its global agenda and military objectives over respect for Afghan sovereignty and the needs of the Afghan people. Key failures identified include the US refusal to marginalise warlords, a 'light footprint' approach that delayed the creation of a national army and police, and a donor system that bypassed the Afghan government. The author highlights civilian casualties as a primary trigger for tension, noting that US cultural insensitivity and a lack of accountability fueled perceptions of occupation. The transition to the Obama administration is described as a period of further deterioration due to a lack of personal engagement with President Karzai and perceived interference in Afghan internal politics. The paper concludes that future stability depends on a 'reset' based on mutual respect and a genuine commitment to Afghan ownership.

The document examines South Africa's intention to build a fleet of six new nuclear power stations to add 9,600 MW of capacity by 2020. It highlights the drivers of this expansion—including population growth, ageing infrastructure, and climate targets—while raising significant concerns regarding the financial stability of Eskom, the opacity of the tender process, and the rise of resource nationalism concerning uranium. The paper also details South Africa's nuclear diplomacy within Africa and its relations with global nuclear powers like Russia and France.

The document analyzes African perspectives on the proposed Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), which aims to establish universal standards for the legal trade of conventional weapons. While there is broad support across the continent, the paper identifies specific concerns regarding national sovereignty, the potential for the treaty to be used as a political tool, and the financial burden of implementation. It details the positions of South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria, and Nigeria, noting a tension between the desire for global standards and the protection of national arms industries and security rights. The author recommends that African states develop a more unified common position through the African Union to better influence the international process.

The report examines the 'cold peace' between Ethiopia and Eritrea after their 1998-2000 border war. While the Algiers Peace Accord ended active hostilities, the subsequent ruling by the Border Commission to award the symbolic town of Badme to Eritrea has created a political impasse. Ethiopia, influenced by the Tigray Regional State, has rejected the ruling as 'wrong and unjust,' leading to a stalemate in physical demarcation. The author argues that the international community's focus on technical demarcation is insufficient and that genuine political dialogue is required to address deep-seated mistrust and economic strains to avoid a return to war.