No euphoria - just desperate hope or simply indifference

Submitted by Terrence (Australia), Dec 4, 2008 at 04:55

Dear Daniel, I think you are mistaken in reading 'euphoria' amongst Muslims as a consequence of Obama's victory. As Muslims are not a monolithic group of people (contrary to what many on this forum would believe), there have been mixed feelings amongst them. In general there may have been some satisfaction, perhaps euphoria even amongst a few, not because Obama won, but because McCain (who is seen by many as representing George Bush) lost. I thought the symbolism of the extreme right-wing, anti-Islam Bush's loss, and that even to a black man was simply profound. I believe the majority of Muslims would probably fall under this.

Then there would be those who would think more strategically; ie it is easier to deal with a known enemy such as Bush/McCain who don't try to hide their dislikes, than it would be to deal with someone who may appear to be more balanced but may not deviate too much from his predecessor in following the standard US line in issues that are dear to Muslims.

Then there would be those in large numbers that will hope some good will come out of this. They will be hoping that surely if Obama is that bright (as he appears to be), surely he will realise that something has to be done, business as usual cannot be the solution, millions of people can't be terrorists, or stupid; and hopefully he will have the courage to overcome some of the traditional pressures on the position and make some epoch making decisions, and in doing so make eternal contributions to make not just the US but the world a better place. I would probably fall in this group. There is no harm in hoping.

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