Cameron is back from his hols (and looking for larger accommodation) so why is Nick Clegg in Afghanistan instead of doing all the other incredibly important things he gets to do as deputy PM?
He doesn’t have defence or foreign affairs within his portfolio; nor does he have any military experience. So what practical purpose is served by flying the flak-jacketed Lib Dem leader into a war zone – other than to give the Taliban an opportunity to improve their aim?
The answer is that it all depends on your point of view. In a strategic sense, his arrival has as much impact as spit in a sandstorm. However, the publicly financed visit undoubtedly provides the embattled Lib Dem leader with marvellous photo opportunities that will look great as a backdrop for his forthcoming conference speech. What this all cost in terms of transport and security is something that the Tax Payers Alliance should probably ask; if it ever occurs to them.
Sadly, but in keeping with the established trend of things turning to shit as soon as Thickish Nick opens his mouth, he undermined his insistence that the military campaign in Afghanistan is "turning the corner" by admitting he "had no idea exactly how and when we will succeed". The man’s status slipped further from ‘forgettable’ to ‘irrelevant’ when his worthy sentiments about the need for political engagement were politely dismissed by Afghan officials who stated it was currently "not practical in Helmand".
In politics, the usual advice given to anyone in a hole is to stop digging. In Clegg’s case, you can’t help but feel that his best move might be to jump in.
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