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First of all, it is true that Al Q tends to attack at the beginning of new administrations. They do this in order to take advantage of the inherent relative disorganization of a transition period.
Second, about Obama.
As someone who has lived in a Muslim country early in life (Indonesia), he has an understanding of the culture in a way that other candidates don't and can't possibly. This gives him a major strength in dealing with Middle Eastern leaders that other candidates don't have.
Know what? I think that item scores bigtime with me. That's a huge plus in dealing with leaders whose countries have been the launch points for terrorism.
Hmm..
Hey Kid Oakland, what do you think of that one?
by G2geek on Sun Jan 13, 2008 at 08:19:52 PM PDT
[ Parent ]
The ones to whom he'll be explaining his reasons for choosing Christianity as a grown adult rather than any other possible religious choice...or no choice at all? Should make for fascinating coversation with muslims of one stripe or another.
Tell me how you spend your time and how you spend your money -- I'll tell you what your values are.
by oldpro on Sun Jan 13, 2008 at 09:00:48 PM PDT
He was explosed to Islam, chose Christianity.
OK, that's worth an "off with your head" in most of those places. At least for public consumption. How the Saudi monarchy can even remotely consider itself as living by the Prophet's words is beyond me. Obama could pull it off via the "people of the book" route and personal consistency that transcends denomination.
He would also have a degree of cultural fluency that should be worth something in and of itself. And behind the scenes he can say things that he can't in public. Subtle linguistic choices that convey "I understand you."
by G2geek on Sun Jan 13, 2008 at 10:47:07 PM PDT
behind the scenes he can say things that he can't in public. Subtle linguistic choices that convey "I understand you."
Anybody can do that. That's why the State Dept. and U. N. cabinet choices matter...any idea who Obama would consider for those roles? Me neither. To form a cabinet, he's going to have to take the word of a lot of people he doesn't really know who have their own agendas. THAT is an issue which isn't talked about at all....
by oldpro on Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 10:55:21 AM PDT
...to understand Islam as a culture. He was a child when he left.
But I do believe, as I heard John Kerry said in his pro Obama speech, that the rest of the world will look to the US with greater appreciation if Obama is elected.
IMO he benefits from having a father who was born in a foreign country. Immigrants can bring a broader worldview
Dailykos.com; an oasis of truth. Truth that leads to action -1.75 -7.23
by Shockwave on Sun Jan 13, 2008 at 09:04:34 PM PDT
understands more than an average 30-something.
So even though he left at 10, he would have had observations that are of value.
"Cultural fluency" is a major point here.
by G2geek on Sun Jan 13, 2008 at 10:49:17 PM PDT
wide narrow
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