The most optimistic appraisals we've heard assume that winning the war in Iraq will take time.

NPR: Scoring the War in Iraq: Who's Winning?

Even on the most optimistic estimates, Dr Odimba will have to carry on referring his patients to Nouakchott General for some time to come.

ECONOMIST: Mauritania

I'm optimistic about our economic future, because Americans have shown time and again that they are the most industrious, creative and enterprising people in the world.

FORBES: Magazine Article