I have only one suggestion. Don't allocate memory for this, it's a waste of effort.
Using this code with gcc 3.3.3 under Cygwin works correctly for me when I call it twice. You didn't tell us what you're doing outside of these functions, so look there first, e.g. Maybe you're accidentally assigning a garbage non-NULL value to app_cfg between calls. Also, if you're not using a "big-name" compiler, there's a possibility this is a compiler bug (e.g. It may be overly optimistic at compile time and assume you'll never pass a NULL to destroy_config).
Try putting in something like.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.