One week to go in the race for the Presidency. We know the polls show Barack Obama holds a lead nationally as well as many of the key battleground states. But what's the view from here in the Middle East? Observers note some countries - and individuals - in this region have already made up their minds in favor of the Democratic candidate.
Here's a comment from Professor Barry Rubin, Director, Global Research in International Affairs Center and Editor, Middle East Review of International Affairs.
"We have seen statements both by officials, in state-controlled media, by known backers, and according to visitors in the capitals of Syria and Iran that the regimes want Obama to be elected and believe he will win. Expecting this outcome, they believe there will be a U.S. government which will not be too tough on them meaning that they will either have freedom of action or a U.S. government eager to negotiate with them and make concessions to them. I am not saying this in order to sway votes but as an observation of the situation. If Obama wins, this will be a political reality which everyone will have to take into account. That is, Damascus and Tehran will probably become more aggressive while at the same time urging talks with Washington."
Furthermore, the Palestinian Media Watch released the following notice:
In Gaza, the Palestinian Authority Daily reports that some Gaza residents are randomly calling American homes trying to convince U.S. citizens to support Barack Obama for President.
"23 year old (Palestinian) Ibrahim Abu Jayyab sits by the computer in the Nusairat refugee camp [in the Gaza Strip] trying to call American citizens, in order to convince them to vote for the democratic candidate for President, Barack Obama. most of the Palestinians feel hatred towards USA, whose administrations have always stood by Israel. Abu Jayyab's idea is to make telephone calls to American citizens through internet sites that allow making free calls. in order to use them [to make phone calls] for the campaign supporting Obama. Abu Jayyab says: we dial random numbers and try to call people without knowing their identity or their affiliation.
He said that a large number of Palestinians dislike their activity... [those] who do not see any difference between the American politicians, because of the hostility that they feel towards America. But his hope is that their activity will have some impact [in support of Obama]."