That protrusion is pretty bizarre but probably has a practical purpose. Let’s face it, the Soyuz ain’t very pretty but has proven itself as a useful craft that has outlasted our efforts.
But, again IMHO, 17K doesn’t make it a bomber, just and run of the mill A/F.
Pods are extremely practical because they allow you to add a new capability to any pod-compatible aircraft in minutes.
This particular configuration places one pod into the aerodynamic shadow of the cockpit and under the less reflecting skin of the aircraft. The fact that the pod is longer than the wing surface is not a problem; in fact it's an advantage that was discovered a century ago when people tried to stabilize bullets - see the boat-tail design here.
Rear-looking radar.
The tail protrusion on the plane could be the plane’s secondary radar system. The Fullback has a rear-facing tracking/targeting radar allowing it to launch its air-to-air missiles at pursuing aircraft.