First drafts – a scintillating collection of Sparks' writing - takes the reader on a journey through the tumultuous years of the past decade. In his inimitable style, Sparks writes on subjects that cut across the landscape both local and international. He tackles the failed Mbeki presidency, tracking the never-ending Zimbabwe crisis and the HIV-Aids debacle. Sparks follows the extraordinary rise to power of President Jacob Zuma and a new political elite. He comments on the Arms Deal that won’t go away, the scourge of crime, the crisis in the judiciary, and a host of problems that bedevil South Africa. He also examines a number of foreign issues, particularly those that have a bearing on South Africa. He weighs in against the failure of US foreign policy during the Bush years; the fall from grace of Tony Blair in the UK; and the conflict in the Middle East.