'President' Obama favourite for Iraqis

Baghdad: Most Iraqis support democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, Gulf News discovered after talking to Iraqi citizens.

"Obama has kind features and with his African heritage, it would make him more understanding of the situation in Iraq," Awni Abdul Hussain, a student in the University of Baghdad, said.

"McCain's face has cruel and arrogant features, like a 'US cowboy' who would be ready to fight anyone who disagrees with him," he added.

This year's US election has sparked great interest and dialogue on the Iraqi street, unlike previous US polls.

"Obama strongly supports the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq and the Iraqi government can get more out of a security agreement with the US, in light of an Obama victory," Rana Al Issawi, a student of Political Science in Baghdad told Gulf News.

She pointed to the fact that Obama has openly called for dialogue with Syria and Iran.

Um Amer, a 51-year-old housewife said, "If the Iraqi people were asked to participate in the voting in US elections, Obama would get more than 80 per cent of the vote," she offered.

Many Iraqis believe that the legacy of President George W. Bush has worked in favour of Obama, as many Iraqis associate their feelings of hatred of Bush with McCain.

"Iraqis believe McCain would be an extension of President Bush, and mirror his current policies. Iraqi politicians and elites are of the opinion that McCain will inaugurate the era of colonisation in Iraq," Thamer Al Zobaie, a political analyst and academic said.

Which of the two candidates would be better for Iraq? Are you optimistic about the change in presidency? Or would the new president make no difference to the situation?

I think there would be a great deal of difference on the new US presidency. For example, Obama whose policies are a lot more in contrast with the current president, surely the worlds eyes are set on this upcoming election and whoever wins will alter the course of the history of the US and the world.
Benedict
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 02, 2008, 13:34

Obama has clearly stated that each country must solve it's owm problems with international abitration (not confrontation). We can already see the kind of change Obama will bring. He has poven that he does and will continue to challenge the status quo!
Karimi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: November 02, 2008, 13:15

In my opinion Barak Obama is the most deserving candidate for President of U.S.A. He will win. He should pull out American troops from Iraq.
MD.TAJUDDIN
sharjah,U.A.E
Posted: November 02, 2008, 11:19

Obama's foreign policy will change the situation in Iraq. If McCain is emerging as President, then I don't think there will be any change in Iraq's situation as well as policies.
Rehman
Dubai,U.A.E.
Posted: November 02, 2008, 09:03

This flies in the face of every conversation I had with citizens, government staff, and elected officials during a recent visit to Kurdistan. Obama's rhetoric incites fear in the Kurds I spoke with as he has an unclear understanding of the on the ground situation in Iraq. His last journey to Iraq, a brief political stunt, did not include a stop in, or discussion on, Kurdistan issues and concerns.In the Kurdistan region, Sen. McCain was the clear choice.
Charles MacDonald
Toronto,Canada
Posted: November 02, 2008, 01:53

I beleive that Obama is better for Iraq ,and I think that it would be large changes in the scene of all the world because Obama has a dynamic mentality .
Sara
Baghdad,Iraq
Posted: November 02, 2008, 00:45