Analysts Cite Obama Effect in Lebanese Election

[cal04]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/world/middleeast/09lebanon.html?_r=1&hp
By MICHAEL SLACKMAN

There were many domestic reasons why voters handed an American-backed coalition a victory in Lebanese parliamentary elections on Sunday — but political analysts also attribute it in part to President Obama’s campaign of outreach to the Arab and Muslim world.

Most analysts had predicted that the Hezbollah-led coalition, already a crucial power broker in the Lebanese government because of its support from Shiites who make up the majority of Lebanon’s population, would win handily. In the end, though, the American-aligned coalition won 71 seats, while the Syria-Iranian aligned opposition, which includes Hezbollah, took only 57.

It is hard to draw firm conclusions from one election. But for the first time in a long time, being aligned with the United States did not lead to defeat in the Middle East. And since Lebanon has always been a critical testing ground, that could mark a possibly significant shift in regional dynamics with another major election, in Iran, just four days away.

With Mr. Obama’s speech on relations with Muslims still fresh in Lebanese voters’ minds, analysts pointed to steps the administration has taken since assuming office.

[BlooInBloo]

1. What a coincidence of timing, eh?

:rofl:

[Psychic Consortium]

2. Obama will continue to develop into a world leader. nt