Forbes declares Putin "world's most powerful person"

NEW YORK Russian President Vladimir Putin is at the top of this year's Forbes Magazine ranking of the world’s most powerful people. Russian President Vladimir Putin is at the top of this year's Forbes Magazine ranking of the world’s most powerful people. Forbes declares Putin "world's most powerful person" Forbes explained that that the Russian leader "has enjoyed 13 years of dominant rule," and has "solidified his control over Russia, while Obama's lame duck period has seemingly set in earlier than usual for a two-term president – latest example: the government shutdown mess." AFP noted that Russia granted asylum to former NSA contractor Edward Snowden in August, while a month later, Putin "outmaneuvered the United States again by averting a threatened strike against Syria." "Anyone watching this year's chess match over Syria and NSA leaks has a clear idea of the shifting individual power dynamics," Forbes said. As for "other most powerful people" - third prize went to Chinese President Xi Jinping, followed by Roman Catholic Pope Francis and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. (Tanjug, file) AFP Tanjug

Forbes declares Putin "world's most powerful person"

Forbes explained that that the Russian leader "has enjoyed 13 years of dominant rule," and has "solidified his control over Russia, while Obama's lame duck period has seemingly set in earlier than usual for a two-term president – latest example: the government shutdown mess."

AFP noted that Russia granted asylum to former NSA contractor Edward Snowden in August, while a month later, Putin "outmaneuvered the United States again by averting a threatened strike against Syria."

"Anyone watching this year's chess match over Syria and NSA leaks has a clear idea of the shifting individual power dynamics," Forbes said.

As for "other most powerful people" - third prize went to Chinese President Xi Jinping, followed by Roman Catholic Pope Francis and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.