Iran deal likely to rain on Obama's summer vacation

IT'S that time of the year in Washington when the capital city of the world's only remaining superpower takes a break. Congress is on recess as lawmakers return to their districts to spend more time with their families. Government officials are driving to the beach resorts in neighbouring Maryland and Virginia. Government offices are half empty and one can actually find an empty seat or two on the subway during rush hours.

And, yes, even the most powerful person in the world, US President Barack Obama, is taking time off from his very busy schedule in August. He and First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughter Sasha - joined by presidential pooches Bo and Sunny - arrived at their rented home at the resort town of Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts on Aug 7 to begin their 16-day vacation.

This will be the family's sixth trip to the vineyard since Mr Obama became president. And according to the presidential vacation blog, Mr Obama kicked off the vacation by playing a round of golf at Farm Neck Golf Club in Oak Bluffs, relaxing with his family at their vacation home and having dinner at the farm-to-table State House restaurant in West Tisbury.