At the G8 Summit in Ireland, Barack Obama had an opportunity to quell tension with Vladimir Putin over Syria by stepping aside and allowing the Russian president to use the exercise facilities that the president's people had reserved first. Wasn't it Barack Obama who leaned in and whispered to Dmitry Medvedev to deliver the message to Mr. Putin that after the 2012 election, he'd be more flexible?  Then why, when given the chance to prove it, didn't Obama forego the gym and allow Putin to use the workout space? Instead of exhibiting diplomatic graciousness, me-first Obama favored himself and proved once again that his inflexibility in the little things is indicative of his inflexibility in larger things. Prior to the Ireland gym standoff, Putin was already visibly annoyed with the man-child president.  Consequently, one can only guess what was running through Polar Bear Putin's mind as the Russian muscleman chopped his way through the frigid waters of the lake...(Read Full Post)