Many Iraqis unimpressed, some interested in US vote
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Many Iraqis in Baghdad are uninterested in the results of the US elections, convinced that a change at the top in Washington will have little effect on their lives.
Some, however, are rooting for Barack Obama in the belief that he will speed up the exit of US forces from Iraq, while a few hope for a John McCain win because they want a longer-term US presence until the country stabilises.
In a sign of the daily trauma still faced by families in the Iraqi capital, bombs exploded at a bus station and a small market today, killing or wounding more than 40 people.
Zahraa Zuhair, a computer programmer, has had enough.
“I am fed up with all the problems in my country and I don’t care anymore,” the 32-year-old said.
“I don’t care if they sell Iraq or the Americans buy it. I don’t care if they make a status of forces agreement and I don’t care who wins the US elections.”
Wesaam Ali, a 16-year-old student, is similarly disillusioned, scoffing out loud when asked for his thoughts on the American elections. He is not bothered who claims victory.
“All US presidents have been bad for Iraq so I do not expect anything good, even if Senator Obama wins,” he said.
“I have many other things to think about, such as elections in my own country,” the student added. Iraq is scheduled to hold provincial elections by the end of January followed by a general election later in the year.
In contrast, First Lieutenant Abbaas Hammed is hooked on the US vote. He wants the Democrats to win.
“It’s the most important election in the world because it will decide the fate of many countries,” the 29-year-old officer said.
“I want Senator Obama to win because I think he is more peaceful and we need some different plans to manage the problems in Iraq.”
Policeman Majed Jaffar, 20, is also after an Obama victory but for a different reason.
admin @ November 4, 2008