A confidential Nov. 2008 cable from the US embassy in Moscow offers insight into the balance of power between Russian president Dimitry Medvedev and his predecessor, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, describing one camp in Russia arguing that "Medvedev continues to play Robin to Putin’s Batman."
Another cable from earlier that year notes a US diplomat saying that Canadians “always carry a chip on their shoulder,” feeling that the US northern neighbor “is condemned to always play ‘Robin’ to the U.S. ‘Batman.’ ”
Yes, we realize that both cables were written the year that "The Dark Knight" came out, but still, it's time for a new sidekick metaphor. If you're a diplomat and you're reading this, feel free to copy and paste these suggestions into your next cable:
"The Zamundan King has expressed concern that his nation will continue to play a subordinate role to the Republic of Bulungi, much as Gabrielle does to Xena."
"Pottslyvania-Freedonia relations have evolved to the point at which the former is now consigned to playing Stimpy to the latter's Ren."
"At the present time, the Lord High Admiral, while popular, is still widely perceived as playing the role of Nien Nunb to the President's Lando Calrissian."
