Putin being Chopin, playing with tigers, escorting wild cranes, swimming like Phelps.

Not related to the Middle East or South Asia but entertaining nevertheless. 

He's got the most bizarre PR scheme.

H/t: NYTimes

Vladimir Putin clockwise from top left: In Russia's far east forests tranquilizing a tiger; horseback riding in southern Siberia; swimming in a Siberian lake; and digging at an archeological site in Greece.

Mr. Putin played the piano at a charity concert in 2010.

President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia escorted six endangered Siberian cranes to their winter habitat. Experts say that when raised in captivity, these cranes quickly form bonds with figures they perceive as parents.