As the British Secret Service has come out of the shadows, some of the myth and mystery has certainly disappeared.

BBC: Spies like them

The Iraqi family connection will doubtless prompt a call to MI6, the British secret intelligence service.

BBC: French shootings: What happens in the aftermath of murder?

Some 5, 000 British police officers were on hand to protect the president, along with the 700 or so secret-service agents Mr Bush brought with him.

ECONOMIST: An awkward guest | The