The admiral says the situation in Iraq seemed impossible to resolve a few years ago, and,although the two countries are very different,and progress in Iraq is not a guarantee of progress in Afghanistan, it does give him reason to be hopeful about Afghanistan - even during the current period of heavy violence and at best,slow progress.

VOA: standard.2010.07.22

Indian Kashmir has been wracked by a two-decade-long separatist insurgency, although levels of violence have sharply dropped in the lpast five years.

VOA: standard.2009.10.28

The two generals are expected to take up their posts in the coming weeks, although they have not yet been confirmed by the U.S.Senate.

VOA: standard.2009.06.08

House-Senate negotiations aimed at reconciling the two versions of the bill are not expected to begin until the new year, although informal contacts are likely already under way.

VOA: standard.2009.12.24

Although Democrats are assured their 60 votes, through various compromises and support from two Independent senators, Republicans used the remaining hours of floor time Wednesday to re-state their objections.

VOA: standard.2009.12.24

The target pledges by the world's top-two carbon emitters are seen as hopeful signs for progress at Copenhagen, although a final package for global greenhouse gas reduction remains in doubt.

VOA: standard.2009.11.26