AP Photo

How many living politicians retain such iconic status that younger generations of politicos crave the chance to be photographed in their company, hoping that a little of the magic dust will somehow rub off on the visitor? Nelson Mandela, of course, irresistible to politicians of every colour and creed. Barack Obama, probably, though here the iconic status is perhaps losing a little of its sheen, if not irretrievably. The pope and the Dalai Lama are in their own categories for political pilgrims of particular persuasions. On the left, a pose with Fidel Castro may still cut it for some. In some places, Mikhail Gorbachev retains a sort of allure.