Cheek-to-Cheek Greeting for President Obama and King Abdullah

As my eyes gloss over the news of President Obama’s trip to the Middle East I watch with fascination and relish in the protocol.

The New York Times today published an article “Presidential Etiquette in a Greeting” commenting on the cheek-to-cheek greeting between President Obama and King Abdullah. In his prior visit to Saudi Arabia, President Obama received criticism for appearing to bow before King Abdullah.

On watching the CNN video “Obama arrives in Saudi Arabia” one can see how President Obama followed protocol by waiting for his host, King Abdullah, to initiate the cheek-to-cheek greeting and then reciprocate. We see President Obama shaking hands with other men upon his arrival, which is also a common greeting between men in this part of the world.

Notice too in this picture (Stephen Crowley/The New York Times) how President Obama keeps both feet on the floor so not to show the soles of his shoes. Shoe soles are considered the dirtiest part of the body.

Let’s watch for more protocol moments as President Obama visits Cairo, Egypt.

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