Angela Merkel: Putin’s Power Play

Way back when the world was easier to understand (it wasn't), The President of Russia and the Chancellor of Germany held a face-to-face meeting.  Putin (President of Russia and now America) brought his black labrador retriever into the meeting to "welcome" the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel.

The Chancellor had a well-known fear of dogs, but held her fear in check and continued on with the meeting.

Years later, in her memoir, "Freedom," she recounted the incident.  Putin issued an apology, claiming he didn't know she was afraid of dogs.

Then everyone held hands and the world was a better place.  The End.

We're here to celebrate this brave new world by evaluating Putin's apology and speculate as to his many motives.