They no longer have even a dim hope of victory on this western front.

Feeling she will never be located by walking, and short on water, she decides to return to her aircraft in the dim hope that there she will be found.

Longer-term forecasts will dim hopes of a late barbecue summer as showers are expected to become widespread by the end of the week.

It all adds to the feel of confusion, loss of direction, and dim hopes.

The fractured nature of the opposition movement dimmed hopes of a deal yesterday, with one hardline leader boycotting the event and another in jail.