While the discussion of Afghanistan focuses on the dangers ahead, and is generally pessimistic -- while presenting no alternative -- the Schiller Institute provided a beautiful example of how collaboration in the development of that nation points to the prospect of peace and prosperity for the world.  With the extension of China's Belt-and-Road Initiative into Afghanistan as a starting point, speakers addressed how development, and not more military intervention and meddling, is the key to peace.  The full discussion is available at the schillerinstitute.com, and can be a source of optimism for all but those most committed to a pessimistic attachment to the world of never-ending geopolitical confrontations.