Letters: Global Obama

To the Editor:

Re “Obama on the Nile” (column, June 11):

When Thomas L. Friedman reveals that “many Egyptians and other Arab Muslims really like” Barack Obama and “hope that he wins the presidency,” he knows that such endorsements will hurt the presumptive Democratic nominee’s chances among some voters.

On the other hand, the connecting link between Main Street and the Arab street would, in all probability, be perceived as a positive sign among change-oriented voters.

Intent on sowing the seeds of reconciliation, Mr. Obama has said that one of his first official acts as president would be to address the United Nations and declare, “America is back.”

When this country’s first African-American president utters such words of promise, it is not hard to imagine the instantaneous eruption of cheers and the standing ovation around the world.

If this should come to pass, our capacity for reinvention and self-correction will reclaim the idea that this is indeed a “country of new beginnings,” poised to lead by example.

Barbara Allen Kenney
Atlanta, June 12, 2008

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To the Editor:

I read Thomas L. Friedman’s column while sitting in the lobby of my hotel in Dakar, Senegal. The wireless network is in and out, and because of rolling power outages, the hotel has power only because of its generator. In recent months there have been rice riots here, and in the past few days a major gas shortage.

Nonetheless, the excitement about Barack Obama is palpable. For Senegalese, though they are largely Muslim, Mr. Obama is exciting as a black candidate with an African heritage.

The idea that a black man could become president of the most powerful country in the world has sent a wave of optimism throughout the city.

I couldn’t agree more that his nomination has lifted the image of the United States abroad. It has offered many Senegalese a welcome distraction from grinding poverty.

Ellen E. Foley
Dakar, Senegal, June 11, 2008

The writer is an assistant professor of international development and social change at Clark University.

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To the Editor:

After spending two weeks in Iran recently, I can say that Thomas L. Friedman’s observations about Barack Obama’s popularity in Egypt also apply to the Iranians.

I would note that at least some of that affection is because Mr. Obama is seen as more of an antidote to the current oppressive regime in Iran than the Bush administration’s eight years of rhetoric. I suppose the desire for change is universal.

Ramin Abrishamian
Needham, Mass., June 11, 2008