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Live blog: US Election reaction in the Arab world

Gulf News correspondents from around the Arab world will be filing updates and reaction to the US election in a live blog.

  • Gulf News web report
  • Published: 09:57 November 5, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News
  • An event held at the Westin hotel in Dubai was billed as a non-partisan one.
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Gulf News correspondents from around the Arab world will be filing updates and reaction to the US election in a live blog.

16.35 UAE Time, Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief, Bahrain

A feeling of elation and hope prevailed in Bahrain on Wednesday over the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States, one of the kingdom's closest allies.

King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa and Crown Prince Shaikh Salman in congratulation cables said Bahrain looked forward to "consecrating the robust, distinguished and historic relations and broadening cooperation in all areas."

However, none of the 17 registered political societies has issued a statement on Obama's election.

Several people, however, said they looked forward to the end of two wars in neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan and a possible third war in Iran.

Bahrain school students and faculty were pleased that the election results reflected the mock elections the school organised on Tuesday to help students better understand the electoral process in the US.

16.15 UAE Time, Mariam Al Hakeem, Correspondent, Saudi Arabia

There have been mixed reactions among Saudi academics and political analysts after the victory of Democrat Barack Obama as the new president of US.

For some, Obama's victory signals a new chapter, especially in repairing the damage caused by the incumbent President George W Bush to the image of US, mainly at the international level. They hoped that the first black US president would be able to whiten the face of America, smeared by the reckless acts of President Bush.

However, some others are cautious in their comments saying that there may not be any substantial change in the policy of US towards Middle East as Washington is known for its biased position towards Israel.

Regardless, they believe that there would be considerable changes in the US Mideast policy, not because of the fact that President-Elect Obama is a black with an African-Muslim origin, but because of the traditional policy of Democrats, which is not as rough as that of Republicans.

Saudi youths – Naif Al Shamri, Abdullah Al Masud and Fahd Al Mutairi, who are students at the faculty of administrative and political sciences at the US University of Princeton - said they see victory of Obama as the victory of the people of the United States. "It is evident that the American society rose above race and made history by electing a black citizen of African origin to be at the helm of affairs for the first time. However, his victory is not going to make any basic change in Washington's policy towards the Middle East," they said while attributing this to the mindset of US policy makers, which was always leaning towards Israel.

Abdullah Al Abdali, who is a Saudi analyst specializing in US affairs, hoped that Obama's new administration would be able to make drastic changes in its foreign policy concerning the Middle East.

"The policies of Democrat presidents were more balanced and just than that of the Republicans," he said while citing the examples of former Democrat presidents: John Kenney, Jimmi Carter, and Bill Clinton.

Mohammad Al Zulfa, member of the Saudi Shoura Council, expressed hope that there would be positive changes in the US policy towards the region, after all the mess created by President Bush after declaring war against Iraq and the aggressive policies pursued by him following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks.

Muneef Al Shamri, a prominent Saudi writer, expected there would be more respect and coordination under Obama regarding Arab policies. He also called for Saudi and Arab leaders to take advantage of an Obama presidency to bring a comprehensive and lasting peace to the region as well as to end the Arab-Israeli conflict.

15.10 UAE Time, Basil Adas, Correspondent, Iraq

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There were mixed reactions on the streets of Baghdad on hearing the news of Barack Obama's victory.

"The victory of Obama is good news for Iraqis opposed to US occupation forces ... and I think the new US president will be willing to end the occupation," said Riad Al Jobouri from Salahuddin province in Iraq.

Salah Al Obaidi, a spokesman for Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr, said: "We hope Obama will stick to his promise and withdraw US forces from Iraq."

14.10 UAE Time, Abbas Al Lawati, Staff Reporter, UAE

Two bowls containing campaign badges lay on a table at the entrance of an elections event organised by the American embassy. One was empty and the other was half full – an anecdotal but telling picture of the political leanings of Americans in the UAE.

The few Republicans the UAE hosts seemingly like to keep a low profile. They do exist, I am told, but they are far fewer than Democrats here. The contents of the McCain bowl reflected that.

The event at the Westin hotel was billed as a non-partisan one. The US ambassador in Abu Dhabi even joked that all partisanship had been "surgically removed" from him before the event. But Democrats dominated.

Most of the high-flying American professionals present at the dinner and discussion event proudly sported Democratic badges while some had decided not to overtly express their political preferences.

Republicans were hard to spot, but those I met and was introduced to were hesitant to speak to the media. An Arab American supporter of John McCain, who enthusiastically justified his position, had to leave when it was time to quote him. "This could affect my work here," he said.

An American woman said she picked up both an Obama badge and a McCain badge. "I felt bad for McCain," she said. "Nobody wants him."

The event was a lavish one, held in two halls, one for discussions, debates and lectures and the other for dinner, complete with three channels beaming live elections coverage in Arabic and English on big screens.

Despite the heavy media presence, we were told that the only thing we could publish was the ambassador's speech.

Another noticeable peculiarity about the event was that most US embassy staff were wearing an "I voted" sticker. What is peculiar about that is that not all US embassy staff are American, and hence not qualified to vote.

"Have you all gotten citizenship en masse?" I asked an Arab embassy staffer.

"No," he laughed. "Everyone is wearing it, so we too are."

I too was asked whether I wanted to wear one of the stickers.

"If only the rest of us had a say."

13.10 UAE Time, Basil Adas, Correspondent, Iraq

Mohammad Mosbih Al Waili, governor of Basra, said: "I think the situation in Iraq would be a wee bit better with Obama, despite the fact that the foreign policies of the United States will not change much between one administration and another."

"Obama will, I presume, bring a suitable political framework to facilitate the departure of US troops from the country," said Hussain Al Tahan, governor of Baghdad.

Zaheer Baiani, a spokesperson of Kurdistan Democratic Party, said: "Election of Obama as US President and Joe Biden as Vice-President is a great joy to the Kurds because Biden proposed turning Iraq into three regions: Kurdish, Sunni and Shiite. Moreover, Obama is of African descent and would be closer to the reality of the Kurdish people and their aspirations."

12.40 UAE Time, Sunil Vaidya, Bureau Chief, Oman

While the US Embassy premise in Muscat was packed to celebrate the victory of Barack Obama, there was not much enthusiasm outside in the streets.

Like me, many want to know about the results but nothing more than that, said Badriya Al Siyabi, a banker and social worker.

"I don't think the Arab world has to be optimistic about Obama's victory, we won't get much out of it," she believes.

12.10 UAE Time, Basil Adas, Correspondent, Iraq

"What happened in the United States is a big change ... the first American president of African descent ... but that does not mean that there is a major change happening in Iraq, and we do not expect a rapid and fundamental change in the US forces in Iraq," said Yassin Majid, adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki.

11.45 UAE Time, Sunil Vaidya, Bureau Chief, Oman

The US Election was on the front pages of most Omani newspapers, with almost everyone predicting Barrack Obama to win.

The official Omani Arabic newspaper even said Obama could bring positive changes not only to Americans but to the world in general.

In fact, young Omani residents preferred Obama while older generation was all for John McCain.

"I voted for McCain," said William Riddle, a 63-year-old American resident of Oman.

On the other hand, a 31-year-old American visitor to Oman was delighted that Obama had won. Taking a bite from his burger, James Kaiser said it was more about a good candidate than race or age.

When asked about US troops in Iraq, he said: "I would have liked that we never went to Iraq."

11.25 UAE Time, Basil Adas, Correspondent, Iraq

It's satisfaction and cautious optimism in Iraq.

Naseer Al Ani, a senior official, said: "The victory of Obama would lead to a tactical change in dealing with the situation in Iraq.

"Obama may make changes, but the US goals will remain the same...the coming months will tell us what is in store."

10 UAE Time, Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief, Bahrain

"Now we can again think of the US as the land of hope and dreams," said Lateef Yusuf, with a smile writ large on his face.

Lateef Yusuf looked particularly elated, soon after he heard that Barack Obama would be the next president of the US.

"The US was engaged in too many wars and made the whole world uneasy because of the talks about terror and violence. I hope that that era is finally over and that people can look forward to the US as the country that inspires hope, not fear, dreams and not nightmares," said Lateef, an Indian citizen, who has lived in Bahrain for the last 16 years.

Public relations officer Abdallah Nizar welcomed the election of Obama as "a much-needed potential break with eight years of antagonism between the US and the rest of the world."

"It is great to have a young president who is more connected with the world, and not confined to a closed circle in Washington. We hope that he will build on the good feelings generated worldwide by his election and work promptly on narrowing the gap that was created and widened after the terrorist attacks in 2001,'' he said.

However, Adel Marzooq, a journalist, said he had preferred John McCain to defeat Obama, the fourth straight president with an Ivy League education.

"At least, McCain is clear in his convictions and plans and we know where we stand with him. I always have concerns when someone is not steeped in reality, and unfortunately, most people in the Democratic Party are. I have often listened to Obama, and he had been making too many promises about the changes he would make. His enthusiasm does not sound genuine or realistic enough, and that is why I am not as hopeful or excited as many other people," he said.

10.30 UAE Time, Sunil Vaidya, Bureau Chief, Oman

A change for the good is what many invitees at the US Embassy said.

Sabri Al Hafidh, 17-year-old Omani student, hoped that with Obama in the Oval office things would change, especially relations between the US and Middle East countries. "This is a good sign that an African-American has been elected to the highest office in the US," she said.

Her schoolmate Yassir Al Harthy said: "Obama will definitely make a lot of difference, positively for the Arab-American relations."

William Riddle, a McCain supporter, left as soon as Obama was declared winner. "I voted for McCain, but Obama's win is probably a good change for the US," said the 63-year-old Republican supporter, who is an Omani resident for more than four years.

An elderly Omani believes that with Obama there is hope. "His victory would be good for the poor and also reflects that people with poor and different cultural background can also succeed," Fida Dawood, 56, said, while watching US election results being announced on television.

9.40 UAE Time, Sunil Vaidya, Bureau Chief, Oman

A packed hall at US embassy in Muscat reverberated with loud applause as newly-elected American President Barack Obama concluded his speech.

"It is a change for good," said an overjoyed Dr Farida Hassan Ali, a young American doctor of Indian origin.

"Yes, I would like American troops out of Iraq," she said, but added that democrats historically looked more at domestic policies rather than international.

If you have any questions or comments then please fill in the form at the bottom of the article. Bookmark and keep revisiting this page for regular updates from around the region during the course of the day.

Your comments


Now world will be in peace without Bush. Democracy is not coming with a weapon.
Abdul
Zwolle,netherland.
Posted: November 05, 2008, 13:31

We can now hope for something better than the Bush period.
Bhim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 13:22

Hope Obama will be a true friend to all the countries with fair policies and make genuine friends for America.
Mohammad
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 12:40

I think African Americans have contributed a lot throughout the history of the United States. They have been there since the beginning and it is about time that an African American becomes President. Also, Obama is a good example of what America is today, he comes from several backgrounds (Kenyan-Africa, Irish-Europe, African-American).
Kareem
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 12:36

I liked Obama until he stated his intention to make Jerusalem the capital of Israel.
CHARLIE
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 12:08

I am very pleased with the election results. Obama stood strong, right from the beginning. Democracy has won, US has an African-American President. The people have made their choice. Will Obama live up to the expectation of us all is yet to be seen. So i keep my fingers crossed...
Roy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 12:05

The People of US has voted for "HOPE" than "experience". Barack Obama's election as President is a welcome move. His policy will not only benefit the US, but the whole world. Hope it will bring more economic stabilility and an end to diplomatic terrorism, claiming the lives of innocent people.
Saifee
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 05, 2008, 11:39

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