Visitor

Was I the only one who had any expectations regarding Barak Obama's visit to Baghdad?

It seems so.

"What difference will it make what the name of the president is? The overall policy will be the same." That was one friend's opinion.

"The president is only a small part of the decision making process in America. So why should I expect anything good coming out of it?" That was another friend. I was getting really discouraged. I was waiting for this believer in change to actually give a hint of change – but he was too much the politician – He said absolutely nothing to the Iraqi people. Nothing.

He wasn't here for us.

He didn't show any interest in our one thousand and one questions.

I had thought maybe a visit a university to feel out le crème de la crème of the youth of Iraq. No.

Maybe a real press conference where his wit in answering direct questions would be put to the test. No.

OK – some words of encouragement to the families of the slain, at least!

But nothing came. Nothing at all.

It was very clear that the old rules of the political game have not been touched by Mr. Obama's magical wand for change.

A man who is a change in U.S. politics all by himself said nothing to me, an Iraqi Citizen, and I was disappointed.

Mr. Candidate, our destinies have been linked, not by our choice but through the decision of others, for richer, for poorer and you had not one word for me.

Comments

[Shelly T.]

Not all Americans are "enthusiastic" about Obama. This writer is right, Obama is much like other politicians, he will say or do anything to get elected. Still, he will be better than Bush, he will be better by far than Bush. But better by far than someone horrible isn't saying that much. Obama is a politician. He went on the trip to make political points at home and to quiet down the critics. That's all. Don't expect too much from him. Expect more from the American people because they care about everyone, they just don't know what to do because our government lies to us and keeps us in fear all the time. We don't know who to believe anymore so it's hard to be courageous and pick a good politician to run for president. People are afraid we'll get another horrible choice like Bush so they settled on the man who seems optimistic and sane. He might not change things much but at least he respects people more than our current president, who respects no one.

[Edward Neel]

When is the IQD Iraqi Dinar going on the world market and worth something? This will also help the iraqi!!

[Jeff Innis]

Yes American's are generous, everyone knows that. What American's don't like being reminded of is that they are also generous in dealing death via bullets, bombs, whatever to those who get in their way( good guy or bad ). Generosity is a two headed coin in this case. American's would like others to see only one side of the coin.

[baffled]

R.J. Regarding you statement, " In the main, they (Americans) don't give a damn about the rest of the world," I totally disagree with you. Americans are probably the most generous people in the world and unfortunately, there are many give-me societies who keep taking, but are never grateful. Shame on you.

[baffled]

America is a great place to live even with all of its problems. We have all the good and all the bad. People are people. Unfortunately, we, also, have people living without housing.....living on the streets. Iraq had a horrible dictator and I can't imagine living under his and his son's regime was preferable.
Senator McCain was being interviewed tonight when he said that he wants troops out of Iraq. Of course, he wants it done in a safe manner without a timeline. He has so much experience and he is a very caring man. He would be a great president.
You are all in our prayers and we can only hope for better times for you and for our military men and women to come home to their families who miss them very much.

[Kevin]

I would disagree with R J very strongly. I wish you could talk to the people I know, Americans all, who work for NGOs who passionately desire to help the peoples of the developing world get a leg up. For example, there is an organization called Living Water International, whose goal is to drive wells with clean drinking water in every place in the continent of Africa that needs it, starting with Liberia. They've made impressive progress so far, and they're just going to keep going. When I lived in the West Bank, I met Americans who were volunteering there to improve the lives of people living in the refugee camps. Please, spare me the cynicism. Sure, there are a lot of selfish, ethnocentric Americans out there. There are also a lot of good people who have given up cushy jobs to work in difficult circumstances in hard places to do some good, too.

[Kevin]

I would disagree with R J very strongly. I wish you could talk to the people I know, Americans all, who work for NGOs who passionately desire to help the peoples of the developing world get a leg up. For example, there is an organization called Living Water International, whose goal is to drive wells with clean drinking water in every place in the continent of Africa that needs it, starting with Liberia. They've made impressive progress so far, and they're just going to keep going. When I lived in the West Bank, I met Americans who were volunteering there to improve the lives of people living in the refugee camps. Please, spare me the cynicism. Sure, there are a lot of selfish, ethnocentric Americans out there. There are also a lot of good people who have given up cushy jobs to work in difficult circumstances in hard places to do some good, too.

[Kevin]

I would disagree with R J very strongly. I wish you could talk to the people I know, Americans all, who work for NGOs who passionately desire to help the peoples of the developing world get a leg up. For example, there is an organization called Living Water International, whose goal is to drive wells with clean drinking water in every place in the continent of Africa that needs it, starting with Liberia. They've made impressive progress so far, and they're just going to keep going. When I lived in the West Bank, I met Americans who were volunteering there to improve the lives of people living in the refugee camps. Please, spare me the cynicism. Sure, there are a lot of selfish, ethnocentric Americans out there. There are also a lot of good people who have given up cushy jobs to work in difficult circumstances in hard places to do some good, too.

[Kevin]

I would disagree with R J very strongly. I wish you could talk to the people I know, Americans all, who work for NGOs who passionately desire to help the peoples of the developing world get a leg up. For example, there is an organization called Living Water International, whose goal is to drive wells with clean drinking water in every place in the continent of Africa that needs it, starting with Liberia. They've made impressive progress so far, and they're just going to keep going. When I lived in the West Bank, I met Americans who were volunteering there to improve the lives of people living in the refugee camps. Please, spare me the cynicism. Sure, there are a lot of selfish, ethnocentric Americans out there. There are also a lot of good people who have given up cushy jobs to work in difficult circumstances in hard places to do some good, too.

[BurningFeet]

Please keep in mind that if Obama is not elected, there will be no change.

[R J Adams]

In response to 'John': no, I live in the US from necessity, not choice. I come from a place infinitely preferable to the US, in my opinion. Unfortunately, circumstances dictate we cannot always be where we would wish. I have traveled to many countries, but America is the place I find generally most self-centered and inward-looking. The propagation of American nationalistic attitudes begins in grade school. The result is arrogance. Arrogance breeds contempt for others. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the United States. At no time has it been demonstrated more blatantly than in 2002-03, prior to the Iraq invasion when 84% of the populace were in favor of the illegal action.
Nevertheless, none of this detracts from those Americans who do not fit their country's mold. As in any nation, there are many who oppose the common doctrine, and are shamed by their nation's actions.
No, John, America is not 'pretty nice', and while as a place to live it may be better than Iraq right now, that is true of a many, many, places.

[John]

RJ Adams,

Why do you live in the US? Probably because it is 100 times better than were you came from. All people, not just Americans feel the same way. I'm sure people in Jordan or Egypt or Germany could care less about my family. They are looking out for there own best intrests. Come on RJ, you know that to be true. Hey, I bet you have a nice job in a peaceful neighborhood dont you.

America is pretty nice huh!

[Barry]

I have a question for the author of this blog.

From an Iraqi point of view, what do you want the Americans to do in Iraq?

I am completely curious because as an American, I only get the American point of view.

In your opinion, who are the US forces fighting today in Iraq?

If the US forces left today, what would happen to Iraq?

Do Iraqis overall, want the US troops to be there?

What is your opinion of the troops themselves?

I would really like to know your answers to the above questions. I am an American student from Florida, I pay attention to politics, and I wonder if you would find it surprising that we Americans do not know the answer to those questions above.

[Fred]

This guy in Iraq is exactly correct - Obama and any bum in Washington, right, left, whatever is there just for the money and power - go ahead and swollow the line their selling you, McCain, Obama, W, they are all the same, nothing is going to chage just as the OP says.

[Lane]

Keep the faith Brother. Remember: Obama´s main objective now is to get himself elected. We are all waiting for change. Something´s gotta give!
Lane

[aric]

I agree with Eve - Obama must be very careful of what he says in the coming months despite the impression the press loves him the Republicans would happily take one out of context quote regarding Iraq and smear him with it to no end. And if you are disappointed with Obama for not speaking to the people of Iraq directly while visiting your country just remind yourself what a McCain presidency would mean for Iraq....McCain believes if only we had stayed in Vietnam longer we would have won and he feels the same way about Iraq, he was not joking about the 100 years remark.

[Laura]

I was also disappointed. I disagree with Eric and RJ though: I think there are many people who not only want peace, but want a change in the way the US behaves and treats others. I hope the election will result in significant changes in the House and Senate. And of course, real change will only happen when folks hold their elected officials' feet to the fire. It's not about someone fixing things; it's about all citizens accepting responsibility for fixing things.

[Eve]

I don't think you should judge him so harshly. He is under a lot of pressure not to say too much before he becomes president. The press and his opponents jump on any statement and there is in general the thought that a candidate shouldn't overshadow the sitting president.

And your friends are wrong, a president does make a difference. The president, as Commander in Chief, has the power to order troops into conflict, and to pull them out. The Congress has been unable to substantially change the course of our involvement in Iraq because Bush is the only one that can order the troops out. Congress could cut off funding, but then they would be seen as not supporting the troops. A new president can change our strategic objectives, and direction. The Pentagon Joint Chiefs of Staff said yesterday in and interview that his priorities are 1. Iraq, 2. Afganistan, 3. everything else --these are Bush's priorities he and carries them out. And he said that he would implement any new mission given to him by the next president. That is how it works here in the U.S.

[Eric]

Unfortunately what you say is true. Even if Obama becomes President there is a large number of politicians still in Washington DC who all voted to invade Iraq. They will get re-elected even if Obama is President. There are very few of them that have conceded the invasion was wrong, and will do what they can to cover it up. One man Senator Mitch McConnell falls in that category. Another Senator, Lindsay Graham falls in that category. Each one of these people will do all they can to fight against being proven wrong by a President that wants to change foreign policy. I agree a University visit would have been a real attempt to connect with the people of Iraq. Maybe he should have some advisers from Iraq who are not politicians but real people.

[R J Adams]

Americans are enthusiastic about Obama bringing change, but the only change that interests them is the change that effects America and Americans. In the main, they don't give a damn about the rest of the world. I've lived in the US six years and that's my overriding view of this nation. I'm sorry.