More Troops Sent To Afghanistan

This is the perculiar moment when UK Home Secretary Alan Johnson (AKA potential new Labour leader) and Defence Sec Bob Ainsworth (AKA not potential new Labour leader in a million years) visited Afghanistan for a spot of mine clearing.

It's a funny old picture for several reasons. Instead of mines, it looks like the pair are inspecting and removing chewing gum and cigarettes butts on High Street Ken. Bob's casual use of his hands and Alan's sunglasses - paired up with slacks and rolled up shirt sleeves - gives a distinct look of them not belonging there. Which, of course, is true and highlighted by the body language of the onlooking army officer in the background.

I bet there's not a sign even a tiny mine in a four mile radius...