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This is a global original podcast produced by Global and Forest Sounds.

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Major General Jihad Al Jaberi, head of the Iraqi bomb squad, stands on a marble-floored stage draped with beige curtains.

The lectin in front of him is sprouting a jungle of weird and wonderful microphones.

Behind him, an Iraqi tricolour flag sports the slogan,

God is great. A gaggle of journalists wait for the press conference to begin.

Al Jabiri begins by denouncing claims that the advanced detection equipment, or ADE, as we know it

so well now, isn't able to locate bombs.

An Iraqi officer carrying an ADE is summoned to the stage.

Algebrae excitedly explains that the officer is going to demonstrate how the device works.

To Algebrae's right, a table displays various household goods, a bottle of

shampoo, a box of tissues, aerosol cans and pots of beauty products. It could be a hall from

supermarket sweep. Except nestled amongst these cheap and cheerful objects, there's a grenade.

The Jim McCormick standing on the stage has none of his usual swagger. His body's tense and sweat is threatening to make his generously

applied hair dye run down his forehead. Very Rudy Giuliani, which no one ever wants to hear.

His bomb detection equipment is being put to the test with live

explosives. Fail and it won't just be his reputation that's left in bits. Five thousand miles away

in the BBC's broadcasting house, Caroline Hawley and Myrie and Jones are on tenterhooks, watching a feed of the

press conference. It's transparent what's happening. This is a completely self-serving demonstration.

The officer approaches the table, and the ADE's aerial swings freely and erratically. But as the officer passes the table, the ADE points towards its intended target.

Sure enough, he's walking along and it swivels and points at the grenade.

...