Obama tops Forbes’ list of most powerful people in world

BARACK OBAMA has topped Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful people in 2011, as the US leader’s clout rose after the deaths of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and Libyan dictator Muammar Gadaffi.

Obama bumped Chinese President Hu Jintao from the number one spot on the magazine’s annual rankings.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel remained the most powerful woman in fourth place, as Europe’s largest economy continued to wield its influence over the EU.