IRAQ: Iraq's top gym changed its name yesterday to the Arnold Classic to honour the ex-bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger's win in the California governor's race.
The victory even had some Iraqis - long ruled by another strongman, Saddam Hussein - calling for a new leader in Mr Schwarzenegger's mould.
It was gym owner Sabah Mehdi's snap decision to change the name of his downtown Baghdad training facility from Elegant Bodies to the Arnold Classic that shone the clearest light on the star status Mr Schwarzenegger enjoys in Iraq (a prestige he also enjoys in Afghanistan).
Posters of Mr Schwarzenegger's sculpted body going back to the 1970s adorn not only gyms but Iraqi shops, restaurants and petrol stations.