Bifurcation---the separation of something from that which it was previously joined with.

In econometric modeling, it was always a discontinuity, or non-linear change.

For months, I walked by a guard post and said good morning and goodnight to the Georgian troops.

The next morning, they were all gone.

In Iraq, the US was negotiating a departure. So were the Brits. Their negotiations failed,; they were gone.

Stuff happens. Not always under our control.

Often perceived differently by locals.