Obama Plays Shrink to Europe: Dowd

French, American presidents meet at White House

(NEWSER) - President Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy discussed ways to stabilize the world economy and prevent another global financial crisis today at the White House ahead of the G8 and G20 meetings, Bloomberg reports. While the two countries would seem to be at odds on world finance—many French officials believe that the US dollar should be used less often as an international reserve currency—Sarkozy acknowledged that the dollar has a "key role." More»

Russian president seems to get in subtle dig at Bush

(NEWSER) - Dmitry Medvedev just loooves Barack Obama…and wasn’t too fond of some other person who shall remain nameless. In an interview with George Stephanopolous on Good Morning America , the Russian premier said Obama is “a very comfortable partner. … The most important thing that distinguishes him from many other people—I won’t name anyone by name—he’s a thinker. He thinks when he speaks.” Stephanopolous cracked up. “You had somebody in your mind, I think,” he said. More»

What do Sarkozy, Clinton and the Taliban have in common?

(NEWSER) - The decision to award President Obama the Nobel Peace Prize has clearly made some people unhappy, writes Katie Connolly for Newsweek. Here are six of the most peeved:

1. Nicolas Sarkozy: The French president was also up for the honor but was passed over for someone he’s described as “naïve and inexperienced.”
2. Michelle Obama: If you thought controlling “the one’s” ego was hard before…

(NEWSER) - Not all foreign leaders prefer Barack Obama to George W. Bush. Joshua Keating of Foreign Policy lists five heads of state who probably miss Dubya:

• Silvio Berlusconi. "The conservative Christian from Texas and the lecherous billionaire" were good buddies; Bush hosted the Italian president often at his ranch and declined to call him out on his personal indiscretions.
• Benjamin Netanyahu. Bush gave Israel almost unconditional support and, according to the PM, tacitly agreed to allow the “natural growth” of existing settlements in the West Bank—something the Obama administration disputes.

Video shows annoyed monarch; palace denies hard feelings

(NEWSER) - God save Silvio Berlusconi if he has irked the queen—and that’s just what the Italian premier appears to do in a video that’s become a YouTube sensation, the Telegraph reports. After Queen Elizabeth joined G20 leaders for a class photo, Berlusconi roared, “Mr. Obama!” Bristled Her Majesty: “What is it? Why does he have to shout?” More»