Region cues for Obama’s list

by Claude Salhani December 3, 2008

written by Claude Salhani December 3, 2008

For a change, the news from Washington was positive and well received around the world, including the Middle East. Upon his victory on November 4, Barack Obama received messages of congratulations from a number of leaders in the region, among them Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Obama’s election raised hopes in the Middle East that under his administration, America would resume her role of peacemaker in the region. Obama’s election was a reminder that democracy, despite its many imperfections, works. It was, unquestionably, the best example America could offer and should encourage the spread of democracy around the world far more so than the menace of any military threat. Realistically, however, what does Barack Obama’s election mean for the Middle East? Are too much hope and too high expectations being placed on the new president? The answer to both questions is an unequivocal “yes”. While Obama will take the US in

Claude Salhani

Claude Salhani (1952-2022) was a Lebanese, French, and American photographer and journalist, best known for his work with UPI and Reuters. He later served as the head of UPI Photos and as Foreign Desk Editor. Salhani gained widespread recognition for his powerful photographic coverage of significant historical events, including the 1983 Beirut barracks bombings. His career spanned major global events such as Black September, the Lebanese Civil War, and the Gulf War, marking him as one of the leading journalists of his time in conflict reporting. In addition to his international work, Salhani was also a journalist at Executive Magazine in Lebanon, further solidifying his influence in the region's media landscape.

Region cues for Obama’s list

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