Only time will tell what turns out to be the Historic Image from yesterday’s Azores Summit, but as F.A. predicted, every effort was made to “get a Yalta.” Part of the problem, however, was the host, Portugese Prime Minister Jose Durao Barroso, who seemed intent on horning in on the photo op. [Of course, Spain won’t be actually fighting in this war either, but “Spain” is a less embarrassing-sounding ally than “Portugal…”]
[Photo: The Azores allies in front of all the flags of the coalition. Flags (left to right): Portugal,
U.S., Spain, Britain, Portugal, U.S., Spain, Britain, Portugal, U.S., Spain, Britain…]
The rough-and-ready outdoor photo seemed promising, but the big smiles set the wrong tone.
Eventually, photographers did get their Yalta pictures; three mighty leaders poised for action. Here’s one from the batch that’s making the rounds:
[Photo: Blair, Bush, and that Spanish guy.]
Of course, it took a little creative framing to get it…
Fanny Roborat
19 comments
Earl Dunovant
March 17, 2003 at 1:01 pm
1You were wrong. They didn’t make Aznar wear a funny hat.
Landis
March 17, 2003 at 2:18 pm
2Yeah Adam, I expect more accuracy in my FA news reports (since it’s now becoming the only place I’m willing to get my news…)
N in Seattle
March 17, 2003 at 2:39 pm
3What makes the four-podium shot so compelling is the fanfare of national flags behind them. Look, it’s Portugal, US, Spain, UK, uhhhhh, Portugal, US, Spain, …
Chicory
March 17, 2003 at 4:03 pm
4Even my Nova Scotian Duck Toller isn’t impressed. And he can be bought with a tummy rub!
t.a.
March 17, 2003 at 4:33 pm
5that’s a well-placed eletrical socket between dubya and the spanish moustache guy. very prominent. was there an appliance there? a blender, or popcorn popper? or is that in case george’s gameboy runs out of batteries and he needs to plug in the adapter?
craig
March 17, 2003 at 4:33 pm
6Didn’t Barroso get the memo to wear a blue tie? No wonder he keeps getting cropped from the pictures - he clashes.
Anonymous
March 17, 2003 at 4:49 pm
7No, the outlet is for Bush’s batteries.
They haven’t replaced the ones in his head for a a while…
And Tony always has an extra set of Gameboy carts around for when Shrub gets tried and cranky.
Dee
March 17, 2003 at 7:00 pm
8If Spain comes to its senses and opts out of this “coalition of the willing” any time soon, will a new generation of adolescent boys peruse ads in the backs of magazines for “Freedom Fly?”
tim
March 17, 2003 at 7:38 pm
9Those last two shots almost look like they were taken at Hef’s grotto.
paul
March 17, 2003 at 9:40 pm
10the surprising thing is that the “summit” was held on the Azores. given Bush’s vast knowledge of the world, and the attempt to bring to mind “the good war”, you woulda thought that he’d have ended up in Malta. . .
Jupiter
March 17, 2003 at 10:41 pm
11What the hell is that thing in the foreground? Did someone order up party favors from the Hallmark store in the Azores strip mall?
Raya
March 18, 2003 at 8:52 am
12Dude. That blue tie thing is creepy. Must be a secret society of evil dictators who recognise each other by the neckwear.
Amazilia
March 18, 2003 at 9:19 am
13Those ties and suits are a strong statement about this administration’s War on T-shirts.
Anonymous
March 18, 2003 at 7:02 pm
14What is that spanish guy gesturing about in the last picture? I think he is saying,”You would have to have cajones this big to do something so stupid, Seņor Bush.”
Mike
March 19, 2003 at 10:02 am
15In that first photo it looks like each leader was awarded a shiny new Atari 800XL complete with pretty flag stickers on the back.
“Okay, boys. Everybody up for another round of Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing?”
(all four) “Yeah!”
Don
March 20, 2003 at 9:54 am
16At least in WWII, each of the Big Guys got his own chair. Poor Bush and Blair had to share a Discount Office Furniture loveseat
lulu oikl
July 1, 2003 at 12:30 am
17Death muslims! Death to all arabs!
tom alalquisitor
July 1, 2003 at 12:34 am
18Death to all muslims! Death to all arabs! Long live the west! Long the good relgions!
J.A.S
August 27, 2003 at 1:07 am
19I think the humor here is sick! The situation is no laughing matter. Are any of your loved ones over there now fighting for the freedom we are sitting bACK and enjoying now? As for President Bush, he had a lot dumped on him from the Clinton’s to clean up.
Ever listen to the news or read the facts. And by the way I am an Independant, but I know that at least now we have a president that has given’ us some pride back. I have family fighting in this war and not one of them feel it is funny or worthless. They feel the cause is just!!! From what I read above, I think for those who “think” Mr. Bush is stupid, they should check out his qualifications, and education degrees he has. I did it, he by far not a stupid man. And to those who think all Arabs & Muslems should be dead, should be ashamed of themselves. What makes you think they do not deserve to live? Playing GOD, are we???????? Jeanette Storaska