Interesting to note that Putin has urged voters to back Bush saying that his defeat "could lead to the spread of terrorism to other parts of the world".

For more on it, see CNN at:
http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/europe/10/18/putin.iraq/index.html

If Kerry were to be elected, wouldnt it be a little awakward for Putin? As far as I know, even Tony Blair and John Howard (Aussie PM?) hasnt gone to that extent (because of diplomacy, i guess).

Yes but you can see, its like one of those "If you vote for Kerry, you are voting for Bin Laden" agenda.

Not only Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Koijumi also said he likes to see Bush being reelected. ANd that created quite a stir in Japanese political circle. Not only the memebers of the opposition Democratic party but also some influential leaders of the ruling Liberla Democratic party came heavily upon Koijumi and finally he retracted his previous statement and sort of apologized. I think Iraq war has polarized the entire world and those coutnries which supported it would like to see Bush for the next 4 years.

I would not be surprised if Bush & Co use the statement of Putin to strengthen their position.

But then again, here is another one; not a downright surprise though.

Former Malaysian PM Mahathir has urged American Muslims to vote for Kerry because "during the past four years, during the presidency of George W. Bush, the Muslims and their countries have suffered oppression and humiliation as never before in the history of Islam"

For more, see Japan Today at:
http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=7&id=315901

My concern:
1. Why is the statement focussed towards aparticular group of people only? Is it a religious appeal?
2. If it were to have some impact on the intented audience, how will it affect the decision of other audience to whom this statemten was not directed?