WORLD> Middle East
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WORLD> Middle East
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Iraqis say they like Obama, divided on his policies
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-07-20 21:56 BAGHDAD -- US Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is popular among Iraqis. In two dozen interviews across the country, many told Reuters a black man would understand their plight.
"I support Obama. I think he is the best for Iraq and for the world ... if McCain wins I will be devastated," said Mustafa Salah, an office worker in the southern city of Basra. Hisham Fadhil, a doctor in northern Kirkuk added: "He is much better than others because he is black and black people were tyrannised in America. I think he will feel our suffering." Obama is the son of a white mother and a black Kenyan father. He refers to himself as black and often talks of his multi-cultural background. Ordinary Iraqis are unlikely to get a glimpse of Obama, who will spend most of his time in the heavily fortified Green Zone government and diplomatic compound during his trip to Baghdad. While violence is at a four-year low and some efforts have been made toward national reconciliation, the threat of car bomb attacks and kidnapping has not disappeared. Indeed, Iraqis are divided over Obama's plan to withdraw US combat troops within 16 months if he wins office. Some say the policy is overdue while others are opposed because they feel Iraq's security forces are not ready. |
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