This is my piece today for Foreign Policy mag's online version, part of a larger debate about "the Obama effect."
3 Comments
Jonathan Dobrer said:
Great piece. Yes, the several Muslims Worlds have been influenced by Obama's different tone. Treating people with respect has a tonic effect. No, it doesn't change everything, but it exerts influence. I am convinced the respectful acknowledgment of Arab culture made a difference in Lebanon. And yes, in Iran too. It brought out young people and women. And even if the election was stolen, the consequences of this mobilization of the young and moderates will have a lasting effect.
Cheers!
Jonathan
I agree, JD, let's hope there's been an unleashing of the genie from the bottle. That article led to a nice chat with Matt Stannard at the SF Chronicle and this piece, which ran yesterday: http://bit.ly/oeENP
Diane Schrader said:
Stolen election? I thought you meant the one here, because of ACORN. Ha ha.
Great piece. Yes, the several Muslims Worlds have been influenced by Obama's different tone. Treating people with respect has a tonic effect. No, it doesn't change everything, but it exerts influence. I am convinced the respectful acknowledgment of Arab culture made a difference in Lebanon. And yes, in Iran too. It brought out young people and women. And even if the election was stolen, the consequences of this mobilization of the young and moderates will have a lasting effect.
Cheers!
Jonathan
I agree, JD, let's hope there's been an unleashing of the genie from the bottle. That article led to a nice chat with Matt Stannard at the SF Chronicle and this piece, which ran yesterday: http://bit.ly/oeENP
Stolen election? I thought you meant the one here, because of ACORN. Ha ha.