The Obama Effect in Iran and Lebanon - Role Model Instead of Straw Man

As the Vienna Philharmonic finished its annual outdoor program at the Schonbrunn Castle, the guest conductor Daniel Barenboim exclaimed to the 50,000 gathered that he had a new hope because of the speech by the American President Obama on that day. The statement was met with a roar of approval. The next day, every major newspaper in Vienna carried the transcript of the Obama's Cairo speech.

Apparently, they heard the President in Lebanon and Iran as well.

I was in Vienna for a colloquium on Religion, Diplomacy, and International Relations convened by the Liechtenstein Institute on Self Determination at Princeton. In 2004, I attended another track two diplomatic meeting on Iran. Iran was in the midst of an election campaign and a radical candidate was running named Ahmadinejad. Speaking to some of the delegates it was clear that Ahmadinejad's best ally in his hardliner campaign was the American President George Bush. We assured them that George Bush's campaign (and more recently Palin's) felt the same way.

Four years later, President Bush with his Axis of Evil bluster has been replaced by President Obama with his clear diplomatic message of resolve and hope. It seeems as though an American President may be affecting the Iranian elections again, this time positively. From the recent polls it looks like Ahmadinejad is in trouble. His main opponent, Hussein Moussavi, is a reformist who is running an Obama style campaign attracting a huge youth surge. Moussavi stands for equal rights for women and decries Ahmadinejad's foreign policy as "adventurism, illusionism, exhibitionism, extremism and superficiality." In this election, Obama appears to be helping the candidate who is interested in real relations to America. The American President is a role model instead of a straw man.

Likewise in Lebanon. As the New York Times reports, until recently it seemed as though the Iranian backed Hezbollah party would win the majority. Now it looks as though the coalition that is more favorable to America will retain power.

We don't know the exact effect that Obama is having on these elections. But it appears from the 2004 results that the Cheney/Bush presidency bolstered the enemies of America. Four years later it looks like the Obama's presidency may do the opposite.

Americans would do well to remember this four years in the future in our own elections in 2012.

cross posted from Beliefnet's Progressive Revival

Comments

[swanlake2004]

I gave Obama A+ on all foreign policy except following
Iran D
N Korea B-
Afghan D

Iran - Obama does not understand the culture and political environment of Iran, yes he appears weak with good gesture. He should respond immediately on Iran president's congratulation letter to his presidency. However, the initial cool and tough tone have miss the opportunity of make up with Iran. Is the opportunity still there? Yes, but will cost most on America's side.

N Korea - Obama was correct about not dancing around N Korea's stick like Bush did. But he should post nice gesture towards to N Korea.

Afghan - Yeah another great opportunity missed. Al Qaeda number two was signal ready to talk to Obama, Taliban was saying have no problem with Obama, let Afghan sort out its own problem, America troop should go home. Now Obama announced more war in Afghan and I don't think Al Qaeda or Taliban still hold their offers. Withdraw troop will declare military defeat, so what? should we spend billions to this one of the poorest nation on earth? Is it worth it? Yes Al Qaeda hate us, but it can be changed. we don't need to be too hard head.

I don't count my luck for supporting from American fellows, but most in Muslim world should share my view. When American can let go the role of "world policeman", peace and peace of mind should come.

[Edwin Badulis]

it's time. . .WORLD PEACE & PROSPERITY. God is watching us.

[blaqntelligence]

That is our president. I, too, feel pride in our country again and don't feel the need to cringe or apologize everytime our former embarrassment opened his mouth.

[Zanti]

It's great to have a reason again to feel pride in my country. The healing has been a long time coming, and, yes, let's pray the public hasn't gone back to sleep by 2012.