Opinion | Editorials
This is why we are endorsing Barack Obama
His promise of change gives Americans and the rest of the world hope for the future.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:26 November 2, 2008
By far, the 2008 US election is the most critical and exciting election in living memory. We've watched two men compete for the ultimate US job.
And the stakes this time around are much higher; the new president will come in at a time when the US's financial situation is volatile and the country's image is extremely negative.
The incumbent administration has certainly distinguished itself in terms of the destruction it has caused in various parts of the world and only one candidate has succeeded in recognising that and wanting to move away from it. That man is Barack Obama.
This is why we are endorsing the Democratic candidate. His promise of change has defined the entire presidential election campaign.
It has given people around the world hope the next US administration is set to undo the great damage done by the Bush administration to America's image and its relations with the rest of the world, especially the Middle East, over the past eight years.
Obama's views on Iraq are refreshing and the fact that he had the prudence to foresee a costly and indefinite occupation is significant.
Obama fully recognises the Bush administration's failed policies and understands his country mistakenly veered away from Afghanistan, where real challenges still lie.
Unlike Obama, Republican candidate John McCain has no political strategy for either Iraq or Afghanistan. In that sense, he lacks the understanding of how best to tackle them.
Obama's pledge of political engagement and dialogue even with America's "enemies" represents a dramatic and welcome change from the military means to resolve political differences adopted by the Bush administration.
As for the stalled peace process, it is hoped that Obama will stick to his words when he declared that establishing a lasting peace treaty will be a top priority for him during his first years in office.
He relies on a solid record set by his Democratic predecessors - Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton - who genuinely strove for peace in the Middle East.
Obama's story has inspired many Americans as well as the rest of the world. If nothing, he epitomises the "American dream" and his election will reflect the Americans' desire for real change.
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