Adil Najam
Even though much of the U.S. and world media seems to have already decided who will win the 2008 U.S. Presidential election, the fact remains that the elections are determined by votes, not by polls.
Much can happen between now and Tuesday. Including the (re-)discovery that the opinion polling is not an exact science. I doubt if that will be the case, but part of me is now fed-up with the over-polling in this election.
That means that maybe we should do an ATP poll of our own :-)
As has been evidenced in other posts of this blog there are Pakistanis who strongly feel that a President Barack Obama will be be more dangerous for Pakistan than a President John McCain. 
There are also many who think the exact opposite. And as the question in the poll suggest there may also be those who feel that no matter who wins things will get worse or, maybe, will become better for Pakistan.
Without losing sight of the fact that Americans will, and should, elect the President they think is best for America, not for Pakistan - and not withstanding my own expressed view that Pakistani-Americans will also be voting this time on their own domestic policy concerns and not on Pakistan’s foreign policy preferences - one does wonder how a new administrtaion in Washington (now that there is already a new administration in Islamabad) might impact Pakistan.
So, please do tell us what you think. And why.
The Obama Express has arrived.
It is futile to debate who would have been more dangerous for Pakistan? The greatest danger to Pakistan is from Pakistanis themselves, in particular from those in leadership positions. We have to have our own act together.
We keep on forgetting that the US President is elected to look after the US interests and all countries and events are subservient to that responsibility. If the two interests clash, there is no quarter for us. On the other hand, if in the judgment of the US President, the interests come close there may be some room to maneuver.
The US institutions and leadership are very clear on this point and irrespective of which Party occupies the White House, the reactions would be identical. Obama the Democrat as candidate had talked about Bombing Pakistan while Bush the Republican is already doing it. Get the picture?
“No matter who wins, things will become worse for Pakistan.
52% ”
Pakistan, where is your faith, hope, determination and optimism? Without these characteristics one can never truly expect change for Pakistan. As someone said, this is something that the Pakistani people themselves need to do.
The US Presidential Election 2008 seemed like a dream come true or rather more like a miracle. After the 2000 & 2004 Presidential elections, many US citizen rightfully felt that the election process failed and total distrust began to fester. Bush was elected President and only under suspicious voting conditions. Ah, I recall feeling broken, hopeless, and victimized by the system in 2000 & 2004. But, we can never give up and with every new election should come reknewed hope, faith and determination that people will pull together and make what once seemed impossible happen.
So many before Obama have attempted to climb the mountain only to be pushed down. Yet, the character and will of those who had the courage and determination to pave the way has finally prevailed and united the people of the USA. The election of a black man as President of the USA was no small feat and it didn’t happen over night. Many have died in the past for us to finally come to where we are today. As Obama said in his acceptance speech…it has taken 221 years! One can’t help but feel a sense of pride in fellow citizens for the enourmous growth that has taken place over the years to overcome such deep embedded fears and prejudices. To see a man judged by his character rather than by his ethnicity or the color of his skin brings joy to the heart of all. It is as if we, the people, have risen to a higher level of civility toward our fellow man. And, that is a good thing.
I hope he gets out of Iraq & into Waziristan to take care of problem, we need to support Pakistanies in getting rid of terrorist there.
I can describe Obama’s victory last night only three words:
Only In America!
On a personal note, I was scheduled to fly back to Islamabad on 4 November, but I canceled the flight because I didn’t want to miss out on the energy and the excitement of this historic day. I wanted to witness history being made. And I am glad I did.
Imagine someone like Obama–an ethnic/racial minority, raised by a single mother, with no personal wealth or political connections–making it to high office in Pakistan. It’s hard to imagine, isn’t it?
India did the same with Manmohan Singh. Shows that a system can mature in 60 years - does not need 225 like the US did.
Now the election is over and Obama is the new president. Tere is no need to debate if it is good or bad for Pakistan. Because, Good or Bad can only come from within Pakistan. Outsiders can only help or lay obstacles.
For the progress of the present Palistan the President has a big crowed of at lest 55 ministers. Certainly they should be more efficient than the six ministers that the first Governor General of Pakistan had.
Perhaps, Ali Baba with 55 thieves will do a better job than only 40. To bring peace to Pakistan, the president is inviting the Talibans to hve a talk. How does a husband talk with the killers of his wife?
What a momentous day. It reassured the faith in democracy and in some ways in America. What a great story for America and for the world.
BTW, Adil Najam, heard from my family in Pakistan that you were all over Geo all through the day.
Good point Bunty (November 5th, 2008 3:17 am)!
If we let the system run, we might too, one day, be able to achieve something similar (elect member of a minority group).