Obama’s victory raises hopes of a better future for all

TOKYO: In city squares and living rooms, ballrooms and villages, the citizens of the world cheered the election of Barack Obama as US president, ratcheting up hopes that America’s first black commander in chief would herald a more balanced, less confrontational America.

People crowded before TVs or listened to blaring radios for the latest updates. In Sydney, Australians filled a hotel ballroom. In Rio, Brazilians partied on the beach. In the town of Obama, in Japan, dancers cheered in delight when their namesake’s victory was declared.

People the world over – many of them in countries where the idea of a minority being elected leader is unthinkable – expressed amazement and satisfaction that the United States could overcome centuries of racial strife and elect an African-American – and one with Hussein as a middle name – as president.


“What an inspiration. He is the first truly global US president the world has ever had,” said Pracha Kanjananont, a 29-year-old Thai sitting at a Starbuck’s in Bangkok. “He had an Asian childhood, African parentage and has a Middle Eastern name. He is a truly global president.”

In an interconnected world where people in its farthest reaches could monitor the presidential race blow-by-blow, many observers echoed Obama’s own campaign mantra as they struggled to put into words their sense that his election marked an important turning point.

The magnitude and emotion of the world reaction illustrated the international character of the US presidency. Many look to Washington as the place where the global issues of war and peace, prosperity or crisis, are decided.

“This is an enormous outcome for all of us,” said John Wood, the former New Zealand ambassador to the United States.

Hopes were also high among those critical of President George W. Bush’s policies that an Obama victory would herald a more inclusive, internationally cooperative US approach.


Many cited the Iraq war as the type of blunder Obama was unlikely to repeat.

Indeed, even as they raised expectations, many US-watchers were quick to point out that Obama would have to confront enormous problems once in office: wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, tenacious difficulties in the Middle East and North Korea, a world economy in turmoil.

Some Iraqis, who have suffered through five years of a war ignited by the United States and its allies, said they would believe positive change when they saw it.

Still, many around the world found Obama’s international roots – his father was Kenyan, and he lived four years in Indonesia as a child – compelling and attractive.

Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki declared a public holiday today in honour of Obama’s election victory, and people across Africa stayed up all night or woke before dawn yesterday to watch the US election results roll in.

“He’s in!” said Rachel Ndimu, 23, a business student who joined hundreds of others at the residence of the US ambassador in Nairobi. “I think this is awesome, and the whole world is backing him.”

In Jakarta, hundreds of students at his former elementary school gathered around a television set to watch as results came in, erupting in cheers when he was declared winner and then pouring into the courtyard where they hugged each other and danced in the rain.


“We’re so proud!” Alsya Nadin, a spunky 10-year-old in pink-framed glasses, said as her classmates chanted “Obama! Obama!”

Meanwhile, the citizens of Obama, Japan, were ecstatic. Dozens of supporters swarmed the stage and joined hands, jumping up and down as they chanted “Obama! Obama! Obama!”

The Obama campaign brought an air of excitement to this normally sleepy seaside town. Local leaders, trying to revive the economy, latched onto the connection as a way to promote tourism. An “Obama for Obama” supporters group attracted 1,500 members.

And then there are the Obama Girls, a hula dance group formed in honour of Obama’s Hawaiian heritage.

“This is great. I followed the election closely on TV. I’m hoping Obama can make the world more peaceful,” said Akino Nakaoji. — AP


Source : The Star


Better future for Malaysian also !