Russian president Vladimir Putin made headlines around the world yesterday after he stripped off his shirt for photographers while on holiday in the Siberian mountains. Is this a new trend for world leaders? Perhaps 54-year-old Putin was trying to show he is just as macho as French president Nicolas Sarkozy, who recently posed topless for the paparazzi while vacationing in the U.S. But Kremlin watchers are abuzz trying to guess just what sort of political message the pictures, which have been prominently displayed on the Kremlin website, might send. There has been speculation that the images of a vigorous healthy president are meant to appeal to voters, to enhance Putin's image in case he decides not to relinquish power at the end of his current term, as he is constitutionally required to do. Reportedly, Russian gay chat rooms and blogs have said that the pictures represent a plea for greater tolerance of homosexuality in Russia (say what?).
You have to admit he doesn't look that bad topless. While this must be driving W crazy, I am only grateful that I've never seen a photo of Bush or Cheney without their shirts on. And hopefully never will.
