RUSSIA : Medvedev Loses...With Deputy PM Surkov Resignation; Putin Looks For Recession Scapegoats.

     PM Dmitry Medvedev's top aide...Deputy PM Vladislav Surkov, 48...submitted his resignation.
      He was reportedly forced out by President Putin...who blamed Surkov for not carrying out recent decrees...as Russia slides into recession.
      Observers say it again reveals a growing rift between the two leaders.
      Surkov may have simply backed the wrong horse.
      He was once Putin's chief strategist...known as the 'Grey Cardinal'.

     AND...FYI: Putin kept new USA Sec. of State John Kerry waiting for 3 hours...before their Moscow meeting about Syria.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/08/us-russia-surkov-idUSBRE9470CF20130508

     ALSO: Analysis: Who's to blame for Moscow's economic malaise...if not Putin?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/08/us-russia-economy-idUSBRE9470EQ20130508