A Smile and a Ribbon

Submitted by Pied Piper (Saudi Arabia), Oct 14, 2015 at 00:56

One wonders who authorized the release of the Putin/Asad poster and its suggestive portrayal of the two leaders.

After all, there's poor Asad with a black ribbon tied 'round his head, flawless skin and Hollywood style sunglasses, while the more masculine and rugged Putin leers benevolently at a disintegrating Middle East. Notice too the bed of roses featured prominently between the two rogues. One assumes it's supposed to symbolize friendship of one sort or another but to me it suggests a more intimate betrothal.

In a spirit of "fairness" I should mention that this poster will pass muster with no problem at all in the Middle East. No true native Middle Easterner could view this poster anywhere near the way I'm describing it. They may be opposed to the Asad/Putin hookup, but the "aesthetics" of the poster will be accepted region-wide as totally valid and even praise-worthy.

Reminds me of the intellectually challenged 1956 song by Patience and Prudence "A Smile and a Ribbon" which can be heard and enjoyed at

What this portends for the future of the ME, I can't say, but it can't be good.

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