President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin came face-to-face for a meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday but their brief, unsmiling handshake revealed more than a hint of tension between the world leaders.
President Putin continues to arm and support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his embattled government in Damascus. President Obama and US-Western allies describe Mr Assad a war criminal. The two have not met in a formal session for almost a year, and pre-meeting bickering over who asked who did not bode well.
Body language expert Laura McGrath, of Interview Techniques examined the photo-op yesterday and notes the "mistrust" that exists between the pair: "The postures of both presidents are full of tension giving the viewer the feeling of irreconcilable differences and an on-going power struggle.
"The fact that they are both facing the camera full-on, indicates a lack of warmth, chemistry, and perhaps even mistrust," McGrath adds.
The two men barely made eye contact, hinting at the scale of the gulf between them, before disappearing for talks.
United States President Barack Obama, right, and Russia's President President Vladimir Putin pose for members of the media (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Heightened tension
There is obviously a big height difference between the two leaders but perversely Putin looks “the taller” of the two.
"His [Putin's] erect posture gives a powerful and elegant stance. His suit drapes nicely as he directly faces the camera. His face is expressionless, his eyes are steely – he is a man who likes to be in complete control. His stare is direct, almost looking into your soul," McGrath observes.
The Russian leader's commanding presence appears to put Obama on the back-foot as he is forced to "bend slightly towards Putin, losing some of his composure".
Not for turning
While a White House official reported they carried out "focused" talks for about 90 minutes - apparently half their time discussing Syria, the other half on Ukraine - McGrath says the US leader's face already looked "tired" and "slightly defeated" before they even sat down.
"Whilst Obama's mouth is gently smiling, his eyes have a look of sadness and resignation about them. He is firmly gripping the hand of Putin in an attempt to look like the more dominant figure."
"Putin, however, is not for turning," she adds.
