We were investigating an alleged incursion by Iranian forces on the border, and our route took us past some land occupied by Marsh Arabs. They were really good fun. The girl who was waving had brought me some fresh dates and had been laughing about my reaction to the taste. I often wonder how they are all doing now.

Just for the record, the shot was taken in June 2004, on the banks of the Tigris, very close to what is claimed to be the Garden of Eden