Posted on 01/10/2008 9:23:29 PM PST by indcons
They may not have a vote, but civic-minded people in the Middle East are watching the U.S. presidential race closely, and some have already chosen their favorite candidate.
"My favorite is unquestionably Sen. [Barack] Obama. He presents a new face of America to the Middle East, and to the world at large," Hafed Al Ghwell, a Libyan-American with the Dubai School of Government, told ABC News.
"I think [Obama] is capable of restoring the image of America as a beacon of democracy," said Fadi Salem, a Syrian engineer, also with the DSG.
The Illinios Democrat seems to have captured the hearts, minds and newspaper pages of the Middle East.
Even before winning in Iowa, Obama appeared to be the local favorite, as evidenced in the region's English language press. An op-ed in Egypt's Daily News called him "a breath of fresh air." Another, in the Daily Star of Lebanon, said he is "a global candidate for a global age."
"To see an African-American come this close to the White House, less than 50 years after the end of segregation ... is an accomplishment for which all Americans can be proud," wrote an editorial in Arab News, a Saudi Arabian newspaper. "Democrats, in particular, must quietly feel glad that the days of the Birmingham Barons and Bull Connor are behind the party."
Though Obama is, himself, a Christian, his father's Muslim heritage, and his own multiracial makeup, are seen as a huge plus a sign to many here that he may be able to understand the region and what it would take to achieve peace and stability.
In one editorial, Lebanese political analyst Chibli Mallat pointed out that the name Barack is short for "Mubarak," an Arabic word, meaning "the blessed one." In a point of unsolicited advice, Mallat suggested Obama should highlight, not bury, that heritage.
"You should be proud of your Muslim legacy," wrote Mallat. "Make it a central plank of your campaign to become world leader. There is no contradiction between this and the Christian convictions you have. ... Become a uniquely ecumenical president, in a world increasingly in the throes of religious strife."
New York Sen. Hilary Clinton has equal or greater name recognition in the Arab world, but her popularity seems scant. Despite widespread admiration for her husband and nostalgia for his foreign policy, Clinton does not benefit much from his reflected glow.
"As a candidate for that high office, she has left a lot to be desired, and it is getting worse," wrote Tom Plate in Dubai's Khaleej Times.
"Take her recent retreat on global trade her apparently newfound doubts about the value of all free-trade deals. What a disgusting display of dime store grandstanding," he wrote.
On the Republican side, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are still relative unknowns, while local columnist Linda Heard called former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani the "Middle East's worst nightmare." Even though Giuliani has business ties to the Arab world, those are outweighed by what is perceived as a commitment to the Bush administration's foreign policy.
"Whereas, post 9-11, Giuliani was generally considered a competent, nice guy, keen to roll up his sleeves in order to put his city to rights, in recent months, the mask has come off," Heard wrote in Gulf News, a paper printed in the United Arab Emirates.
Ghaleb Darabya, a Palestinian executive education specialist, noted that Arabs still take offense at Giuliani's decision to return a multimillion-dollar gift from Saudi Arabia's Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal, to a relief fund for the victims of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"Giuliani is known for his tough stance and his leadership after 9/11 he was able to bring people together. But if you ask people in this region, they know him for rejecting the donations that were made by Arabs who wanted to help American families," Darabya told ABC News.
Arizona Sen. John McCain resonates with Darabya as the candidate of character.
"[McCain] represents some honesty and integrity ... He has what it takes to lead the Republican party," Darabya said.
When asked what the new American president's priorities should be, experts in the Middle East point to a handful of perennial, predictable issues: the Iraq War, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and resolving diplomatic standoffs with Syria and Iran. But while the issues may be the same as in the last political cycle, the feeling in the region is that they are much more critical now.
"These already dangerous times are becoming even more dangerous. We can only stand by helplessly as the American people decide their fate and ours," Heard wrote. "With the future of the planet in their hands, it's time they made the right choice."
Maryam Shahabi contributed to this article.
Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures
"You should be proud of your Muslim legacy," wrote Mallat. 'Make it a central plank of your campaign to become world leader. There is no contradiction between this and the Christian convictions you have. ... Become a uniquely ecumenical president, in a world increasingly in the throes of religious strife.'"
Would it be too much to call him by his full name: Barak Hussain Obama here on the site. Not many people know this.
Sort of like a candidate saying I made up this creepy add on my opponent but decided not to show it.
But since all the news organizations are here I will show it to prove I could have been an anal hole.
BS! How can you be a Christian AND Muslim AT THE SAME TIME???
Hussein always flaunts his BLACKNESS but not all people know he’s HALF WHITE.
I really don’t give a crap what the Muslims like.
Based on this article, he can now safely be called Mubarak Hussein Obama.
You can too. Spend some time:
How Obama and 1st paternal cousin Odinga Tried to Bring Kenya Under Sharia Law and Failed, The Dose
I thought that if you converted from Muslim you were to be killed?
That’s it. Obama over my dead body.
If muzzies are for him, that alone is more than enough reason to be against him, no matter what I think of his position on ANY issue.
Betcha he’s a sleeper muzzie and they know it.
Exactly. He’s still alive.
the name Barack is short for “Mubarak,” an Arabic word, meaning “the blessed one.” In a point of unsolicited advice, Mallat suggested Obama should highlight, not bury, that heritage.
“You should be proud of your Muslim legacy,” wrote Mallat. “Make it a central plank of your campaign to become world leader. There is no contradiction between this and the Christian convictions you have.
ping
The muslims will never issue a fatwa on their Trojan Horse.
Gee, let’s just put the enemy in the WH.
And Hillary is no better. We might as well put Hitler in the WH with her.
*gag* Another reason to make sure he gets nowhere near the White House.
It’s sooo hypocritical how these Arabs are saying that it’s awesome for a black guy to be a candidate, when they are so openly racist against blacks. Anyone who has spent time among Middle Easterners knows what I’m talking about.
>I thought that if you converted from Muslim you were to be killed?<
Deception used to enable the global jihad/conquest agenda would be overlooked per the Koran.
Barack, why dont you sit down and play a hand of solitare?
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