Anything Putin can do... President Obama plays the action man in newly released behind-the-scenes White House photos
With his love of heights, sports and
the brutal wilderness, Russian President Vladimir Putin may have
garnered the reputation of an action man - but now President Barack
Obama has shown he also has what it takes.
A set of photographs snapped throughout March and released by the White House on Friday show Obama in action both in the White House and during his highly-anticipated trip to the Middle East.
In dramatic scenes, the president is seen aboard Marine One as it swoops away from Ramallah in the West Bank, and pictured clambering over a ledge during a tour of the ancient city of Petra in Jordan - looking suave in shades and crisp khakis.
The images also show more intimate
moments he managed to grab with leaders during the trip; one reveals a
close conversation with President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority talk following their tour of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
During the four-day visit, Obama made his first trip to Israel as president, arriving in Tel Aviv before visiting the West Bank and Jordan.
While on the trip, Obama received the highest civilian award at the state dinner in Jerusalem, bringing a happy interruption to a trip that has been filled largely with serious talks about peace proposals and threats of nuclear war.
But despite the gung ho attitude portrayed in the images, Obama returned to Washington from the trip with few tangible achievements to show.
Aides said his intention was instead to reassure the region's politicians and people - particularly in Israel - that he is committed to their security and prosperity.
But back home, there was no stopping:
The President is pictured striding from a church service with his
impeccably-dressed family, speaking with Putin on the phone from the
Oval Office and welcoming families into the White House.
And it wasn't just the President who was busy through March as Michelle Obama - and even the First Dog Bo - are seen among the images during official engagements. In one adorable image, the beloved pooch is seen waiting expectantly for Mrs Obama before they head to Maryland together.
But there are moments of respite for the First Family.
In one image, the President playfully tosses a ball with Chief of Staff Denis McDonough, while other pictures show calm moments of reflection - taking in the birthplace of Jesus during the West Bank tour or sitting in his dimly-lit office as he takes in the day's events.
A set of photographs snapped throughout March and released by the White House on Friday show Obama in action both in the White House and during his highly-anticipated trip to the Middle East.
In dramatic scenes, the president is seen aboard Marine One as it swoops away from Ramallah in the West Bank, and pictured clambering over a ledge during a tour of the ancient city of Petra in Jordan - looking suave in shades and crisp khakis.
Action man: President Obama is pictured left
with Dr. Suleiman A.D. Al Farajat, from the University of Jordan, in the
Nabataean Amphitheater during a walking tour of the ancient city of
Petra in Jordan. Back home, right, Obama throws a football with Chief of
Staff Denis McDonough on the Colonnade of the White House
Tourist: On his four-day trip of the Middle
East, Obama views the area near the Treasury on a walking tour of the
ancient city of Petra in Jordan
Dramatic: The President departs aboard Marine One from a landing zone in Ramallah, the West Bank at the start of the trip
During the four-day visit, Obama made his first trip to Israel as president, arriving in Tel Aviv before visiting the West Bank and Jordan.
While on the trip, Obama received the highest civilian award at the state dinner in Jerusalem, bringing a happy interruption to a trip that has been filled largely with serious talks about peace proposals and threats of nuclear war.
But despite the gung ho attitude portrayed in the images, Obama returned to Washington from the trip with few tangible achievements to show.
Aides said his intention was instead to reassure the region's politicians and people - particularly in Israel - that he is committed to their security and prosperity.
Tour: President Obama walks with President
Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority before departing the Mugata
Presidential Compound in Ramallah
Taking a moment: President Barack Obama and
President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority share a moment of
quiet following their tour of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
Contemplation: He tours the crypt containing the
birthplace of Jesus during his visit to the Church of the Nativity in
Bethlehem on March 22
On business: Obama walks with Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel
Aviv, left. Right, he is pictured a week before the trip - waiting for a
heavy rain to pass before crossing West Executive Avenue from the
Eisenhower Executive Office Building to the West Wing of the White House
Obama tours the Port of Miami Tunnel project before delivering a speech on infrastructure, in Miami, Fla.
Working from home: Obama talks on the phone with President Vladimir Putin of Russia in the Oval Office with security advisers
Happy to be there: Obama signs memorabilia for
March of Dimes 2013 National Ambassador Nina Centofanti, 8, during her
visit with her family on March 26, 2013
And it wasn't just the President who was busy through March as Michelle Obama - and even the First Dog Bo - are seen among the images during official engagements. In one adorable image, the beloved pooch is seen waiting expectantly for Mrs Obama before they head to Maryland together.
But there are moments of respite for the First Family.
In one image, the President playfully tosses a ball with Chief of Staff Denis McDonough, while other pictures show calm moments of reflection - taking in the birthplace of Jesus during the West Bank tour or sitting in his dimly-lit office as he takes in the day's events.
Family time: Obama, First Lady Michelle and
their daughters Sasha and Malia attend an Easter service at St. John's
Church in Washington, D.C. on March 31
Involved: All eyes are on Mrs Obama as she drops
by a Partnership for a Healthier America board meeting in the Map Room
of the White House on March 6
A solemn-appearing President Obama walks towards
his motorcade after arriving at Walter Reed National Military Medical
Center. The president met with veterans and awarded two Purple Hearts to
wounded soldiers
Anticipation: Bo Obama waits for Michelle Obama
on the South Lawn driveway before they leave the White House together
for Maryland on March 10
Vladimir Putin wants you to know he he's a real man of action - as this shirtless horseback riding picture shows
