Picking a U.S. President: Voices From the Arab World

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 10, 2008 -- They may not have a vote, but civic-minded people in the Middle East are watching the U.S. presidential race closely, and some have already chosen their favorite candidate.

"My favorite is unquestionably Sen. [Barack] Obama. He presents a new face of America to the Middle East, and to the world at large," Hafed Al Ghwell, a Libyan-American with the Dubai School of Government, told ABC News.

"I think [Obama] is capable of restoring the image of America as a beacon of democracy," said Fadi Salem, a Syrian engineer, also with the DSG.

The Illinios Democrat seems to have captured the hearts, minds and newspaper pages of the Middle East.

Even before winning in Iowa, Obama appeared to be the local favorite, as evidenced in the region's English language press. An op-ed in Egypt's Daily News called him "a breath of fresh air." Another, in the Daily Star of Lebanon, said he is "a global candidate for a global age."

"To see an African-American come this close to the White House, less than 50 years after the end of segregation ... is an accomplishment for which all Americans can be proud," wrote an editorial in Arab News, a Saudi Arabian newspaper. "Democrats, in particular, must quietly feel glad that the days of the Birmingham Barons and Bull Connor are behind the party."

Though Obama is, himself, a Christian, his father's Muslim heritage, and his own multiracial makeup, are seen as a huge plus — a sign to many here that he may be able to understand the region and what it would take to achieve peace and stability.

In one editorial, Lebanese political analyst Chibli Mallat pointed out that the name Barack is short for "Mubarak," an Arabic word, meaning "the blessed one." In a point of unsolicited advice, Mallat suggested Obama should highlight, not bury, that heritage.

"You should be proud of your Muslim legacy," wrote Mallat. "Make it a central plank of your campaign to become world leader. There is no contradiction between this and the Christian convictions you have. ... Become a uniquely ecumenical president, in a world increasingly in the throes of religious strife."