Comments Related To: "Obama Effect" on Middle East elections

Swing,

Don't you think that it is high time that we should give Americans another chance? Bushy-effect is done and dusted with. Now Obama maybe Bushy-devil in disguise; wearing an attractive skin but let's give the poor guy one chance ... yez?

Agreed! And I'm not even American.

Well, Obama has to reciprocate. Although he has banned torture, he still has not ended the practice of extraordinary rendition, i.e. sending detainees to friendly countries like Egypt and Jordan to be tortured.

My brother worked with Saad Hariri for a time and described him as one of the most humble and likable people. His father was also a very popular politician in Lebanon. Lebanon is even smaller than Pakistan (if you know what I mean) and people tend to hear about these things. I don't think there is a single Lebanese politician who would put any interests before Lebanon and I definitely don't think so of Hariri. Hizballah won seats in previous Lebanese elections based on two things 1) the willingness of the Shia Majority to come out and vote and 2) regional tensions. Given the decline in both it is natural they would see a decline in votes. Again, while I am not a fan of either party, the one that advocates less violence is usually the better option and the Hariri family and it's allies have governing experience. A 72 to 51 balance in the parliament should also ensure some cabinet positions for Hizballah and therefore a voice for the majority Shia and also an opportunity to learn about governing a country. All these organisations need to change if they are to survive; rhetoric etc. only gets anyone so far.

Good analysis.