30 Oct, 2008
Palestinians wary of U.S. elections, but hopeful
Posted by: admin In: Around Beijing| News
RAMALLAH, West Bank - With the U.S. election now just a few days away, Palestinians here have been fascinated by the race, not only because the system of primaries, conventions, and debates is so different compared to the way leaders are chosen here, but also because of the prospect that Americans could actually elect a person of color as their leader.
It’s always been a given that the unflinching support for Israel by the U.S. helps give Israel leverage in its negotiations with the Palestinian Authority and that statements of support from the White House have always been the best indicator of that commitment. But, that’s also why this year’s election has been closely watched by the Palestinian media and by Palestinians in the streets of the West Bank, Gaza, and east Jerusalem.
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| VIDEO: Palestinians have low expectations for U.S. elections |
All of the people I spoke with in the West Bank are tantalized by the idea of a Barack Obama presidency. They see it not only as an historic moment for the U.S., but also as the possible breakthrough they’ve been waiting for in their own struggle for a state.
At the same time though, enthusiasm for an Obama presidency is tempered by the sobering facts on the ground.
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