By Natasha Julius
Following all the latest gossip from the steamy world of global leadership.
It’s Not Coup, It’s Me.
2006 has seen some pretty ugly splits, from Heather Locklear and Richie Sambora to Paul McCartney and Heather Mills. But those bust-ups pale in comparison to the Thai military’s brutal dumping of Thaksin Shinawatra while the prime minister was out of town preparing to address the United Nations. While the junta may have gotten its way, its reputation has taken a beating in the media.
Stone Cold
The resilient Thaksin, meanwhile, seems to be faring rather better than Pervez Musharraf. Despite famously kicking Nawaz Sharif to the curb from mid-air, the Pakistani strongman has reportedly succumbed to threats from associates of his current boyfriend. Musharraf’s sweetheart was “shocked” to hear this latest rumor and dispatched his most-loyal pal to sort out the confusion.
Don’t Thai My Patience
Over in the United Kingdom, Queen Elizabeth apparently has had enough of the ugly divorce proceedings between her country and Tony Blair, saying if Blair doesn’t stop trying to stir up trouble, she’s prepared to “go freaking Bhumibol” on his ass.
Hun-break My Heart
Hungarian prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsany learned the hard way this week that it never pays to lie your way into a relationship. After all, hell hath no fury like voting public spurned.
Hugoing Steady
Finally, reports of a romance between the wall-flower American opposition and hot-headed Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez were put to bed this week after Chavez’s public rant against President Bush. High-ranking democrats couldn’t distance themselves fast enough, coming out of their shells to criticize the hunky South American leader. For his part, Chavez seemed to take the verbal smack-down more or less in stride.
Posted on September 22, 2006