Wednesday, November 5, 2008

In Pakistan, Afghanistan, Obama's win called positive sign

TV stations throughout Pakistan used Obama's full name, including his middle name of Hussein, in what some people saw as an attempt to appeal to the majority Muslim population here.

The headline on the popular Aaj TV station in Pakistan said it all: "Obama Wins, World Awaits Promised Change."But in Pakistan and Afghanistan, people have more at stake than in much of the rest of the world.
Obama has criticized Afghan President Hamid Karzai for being a weak leader, and he
has urged Pakistan to do more to fight militants.

Most Pakistanis initially disliked Obama. Historically, Pakistanis have supported Republicans, thought to be more financially generous toward Pakistan than Democrats.

"Pakistanis will be quite happy he had a Muslim father," said Talat Masood, a retired general and political analyst. "This shows the greatness of America. To me, I think America has won back the hearts of people of the world, even those who are so bitterly critical, as in Pakistan."

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