I seriously doubt any other leader could have done better, in terms of preventing Putin from supporting Syria. Obama should be resisting GOP pressure to intervene in Syria, but that's got nothing to do with Putin.
GOP pressure? You must be joking...Most of the democratic senators voted for the intervention in Syria.
“..I seriously doubt any other leader could have done better..”
Better what?? He started this mess and now have no idea how to get out of it. Smart politician is always analyze the outcome before he opens his mouth or/and take any action.