“As portrayed in a satirical television show here this week, President François Hollande is left behind to hold President Obama’s coat while the American leader and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia hold private talks. Mr. Hollande gullibly concludes he is playing a key role. In the show, ‘Les Guignols de L’Info,’ a rough equivalent of ‘The Daily Show,’ Mr. Hollande is seen interrupting a visit to a school to ask Mr. Obama’s permission to use the bathroom. If Mr. Hollande ever thought that his decision to stand steadfast alongside the United States in backing a retaliatory strike against Syria would give him new stature on the global stage or help him at home, the last week has been a sharp shock.”
