蜜芽传媒

Alan Johnston introduces insight and analysis from correspondents around the world. In this edition, Michael Buchanan reflects on how ready the Afghan National Police really are to take over security duties in Helmand province, while Jake Wallis Simons meets a wildman who talks to the animals - in the unlikely surroundings of a North London cafe.

Mission accomplished? Not even close

The situation in Afghanistan has just entered a crucial phase. International troops have begun handing control of certain areas over to the Afghan security forces. Michael Buchanan has been watching the process start in the troubled southern province of Helmand, and assesses how much - and how little - has been achieved.

Out of place in the urban jungle

Around the world, more and more of us live in towns and cities. And as the urban areas expand, for many of us the natural world feels increasingly remote. We rarely even come face-to-face with a cow or a sheep - never mind anything more exciting. But Jake Wallis Simons has been spending time with a chap who seems most at home when he's in the wildest of places, with the wildest of companions.