Dominant Social Theme: Everything is going to plan. Step by step we create peace, even if it takes 20 years of warfare.

Free-Market Analysis: The meme of the long war is in full swing. In fact, the idea is not to mention the length of the war, only the steps taken to ameliorate it.

The BBC is doing its best to advance this perspective. This strategy and that strategy certainly provide indications of progress. Don't they?

This article, for instance, talks earnestly about the expanded conversation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is held out to be a Good Thing.

The article informs us, "News of the hotline comes as Afghanistan will host discussions next week with Pakistan, the US and China to prepare the ground for possible Afghan peace talks involving the Taliban."