The Civil War.

They are certainly bracing for war ... but they continue to participate in the talks.

They are certainly bracing for war,

The flame is not out, but it is flickering.

I think we too often make choices based on the safety of cynicism, and what we're lead to is a life not fully lived. Cynicism is fear, and it's worse than fear - it's active disengagement.

OK, I'm going with Altman,