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 "What Obama said about pulling out US forces is just for political gains. It is unrealistic," said Munadhil al-Mayyahi, an independent politician in Basra. Kamiran Mohammed, from Kirkuk, said he visited the United States recently as part of a polling watchdog to study elections. Obama would be good for Iraq, not McCain, he said. "When I was in the United States I found Democrats are more peaceful and avoid wars," Mohammed said. OBAMA OPPOSED INVASION Obama made his opposition to the US-led invasion five years ago a centrepiece of his election campaign. McCain supported President George W. Bush's decision to go to war, and also his troop "surge" last year, which helped pull Iraq back from the brink of sectarian civil war. "The face of America was spoilt by the Republicans and Bush. A McCain win means Bush stays," said Zainab Riyad, a teacher. Questions about Obama's heritage -- he is a Protestant Christian but his Kenyan father was raised a Muslim -- and whether this background would lead to better US policy in the Middle East drew a cynical response from most Iraqis. Obama's campaign has sought to dispel rumours he is Muslim. "Frankly, Muslims in our society have not done anything for us," said Mohammed Sadeq, who owns a mobile telephone store in Baghdad. Another Iraqi pointed to wars between fellow Muslims. |
