The Axis Of Awkward with Scenes from a Marriage

Yap, yap, yap - Evan Vucci/AP

Johann: Affection shouldn't be kept just for vacations.

Marianne: I'm not angry, but I'm on the verge of tears. The trouble with me is that I can't get angry. I wish that for once in my life I could really lose my temper, as I sometimes feel I have every right to. I think it would change my life. But that's not the point. You spoke earlier about loneliness. That bit about being strong on your own. I don't believe in your gospel of isolation.I think it's a sign of weakness.


Oh boy. She was well prepared, reports said. 'Her English is excellent. That should help a lot", one German TV anchor said, "bridge things" or whatever.

It wasn't the common ground that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was looking for. When President Trump was asked at their joint press conference Friday about the White House claims that President Obama had enlisted British intelligence in spying on him, Trump looked toward Merkel and quipped, "At least we have something in common, perhaps."

Trump was referring to reports that the National Security Agency had tapped the German leader's phone during the Obama administration. Merkel wasn't laughing.

Trump quips and subsequently dresses down a German 'Welt' journalist.

The FT has a good summary. (may be gated)

Trump refuses a handshake and it seems highly unlikely we'll see anything like this.

Sorry, but these chambers are off-limits for Merkel.

Judging by Trump and Merkel's awkward, relatively chilly press conference, the German chancellor may be feeling even more alone on the world stage.

Not exactly alone, as she received new accolades from meanwhile familiar grounds and partner in an offer she just could not afford to refuse.

Turkish daily depicts Merkel as 'Frau Hitler' on front page

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has come under fire in Turkey
 (AFP Photo/YASIN AKGUL)

Ankara (AFP) - A Turkish pro-government newspaper on Friday depicted Chancellor Angela Merkel on its front page in Nazi uniform with a Hitler-style moustache, labelling the German leader "She Hitler" amid a bitter war of words between Ankara and Berlin.

Right-wing tabloid-style daily Gunes ("Sun") printed the picture along with the words in German: "#Frau Hitler" and called her an "ugly aunt".

The mocked-up image took up most of the front page of the daily, with a Nazi swastika on Merkel's "uniform" and another swastika next to her head while she is shown holding a gun.

By any standards, an eventful week so far for Mutti from Germany.  Slim chances she may get a Mulligan playing with Trump.