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(Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Pete Souza)
BY MATT MORENO
Vladimir Putin is a man of many hats: prime minister of Russia, president of Russia, former
leader of the KGB and now, the most powerful person in the world.
Forbes released its annual list Wednesday with Putin at the top, jumping ahead of U.S.
President Barack Obama, last year's winner. The writer says lately it's been a "lame duck
period" for Obama while Putin has "solidified his control over Russia."
Forbes says Obama dropped a spot this year due to the "government shutdown mess." (Via
The White House)
It also points out the political crisis over Syria. Russia scolded the U.S.' threat to
attack the Middle Eastern country over chemical weapons. (Via ABC)
Russia eventually convinced its ally Syria to hand over the weapons. (Via RT)
Forbes also points to the NSA scandal and leaks by Edward Snowden as events that weakened
Obama's power and strengthened Putin's. (Via The New York Times)
Forbes says the rankings are based on the number of people, amount of money and spheres
of influence the leaders control.
Also on the list is newcomer Pope Francis at No. 4, German Chancellor Angela Merkel
at No. 5, U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron at No. 11 and Facebook Chairman and CEO Mark
Zuckerberg at No. 24. (Via Forbes)
But while Putin might've topped Obama for first overall, The Independent suggests America
is still the winner.
"Of the 72 names on the list (each representing 100 million of the world's population), 28
are American. The bulk of those are corporate bosses. ... Apart from Putin, only three Russians
make the list, a more accurate reflection of the country's modest economic ranking (around
10th, as measured by GDP)."
Putin was ranked third most powerful in the world last year.
And for a man as burly as this, he might top the list of most physically powerful leaders,
too. (Via AskMen.com)