Kiss the Yak

Kiss the Yak: In political circles, Kissing the Yak is treated as the equivalent of kissing the ring of one’s political overlords and benefactors, or any of their official representatives. Although the practice seems to have originated in Russia, it has recently been introduced into American policy circles as well, mainly thanks to the activities of Russia’s Ambassador, Sergey Ivanovich Kislyak. The practice is said to have originated in the gulags of Siberia in the late 19^th century before being officially approved by Stalin and incorporated as a standard practice by the KGB. In the Kremlin, a special Kiss the Yak ceremony is said to be held on a monthly basis with Putin’s ass now used as a substitute for the Yak. In doing this, Putin is said to be following in Stalin’s footsteps.