Is it just me or does anyone else see anything wrong with this?
I see nothing wrong with the left picture. The middle one - ICK. The right picture is a concern.
Men holding hands is perfectly acceptable in most of the world, and means nothing more than simple friendship. It may shock you, but in a lot of countries, men kiss each other as a greeting. I do so with my wifes father, though not my own (he’d probably freak out).
You note that Pres Bush is holding King Abdullah’s right hand while leaving his own right hand free. A monarch deliberately letting his weapon hand be fettered is a sign of trust and respect. Pure symbolism, designed for home consumption as most Westerners won’t get it.
Which is why the picture on the right disturbs me profoundly.
The middle picture - what can I say. No head of a sovereign nation bows deeply to another. A slight bow, as guest to host is both permitted and expected. The slight bow is usually considered as a small inclination of the head, which is simultaneously done by the host sovereign, to a slightly lesser degree.
Sorry, etiquette is one of my interests!
(((ping to post 23)))