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.
Why do Pakistanis think Obama will be good for Pakistan??!!! The man is black and a Democrat, I expect him to be even more aggressive than Bush when it comes to current conflicts.
Just because Obama is black, and his father was a nominal Muslim, and he talks about “building relations with Pakistani people”, does NOT mean that he will be more sympathetic to Muslims and Pakistanis and will shower then with aid and comforts.
Surprised that anyone would think that Obama could be good for Pakistan after what he has been saying.
Also, Republicans are usually better for Pakistan anyhow.
U.S. Election 2008 is very important for Pakistan and both the candidates are showing keen interest in the situation emerged in Afghan/Pak-istan.
I personally think both candidates will keep their own national interest first which of course is pretty natural. But question rises, what modalities they opt for protecting their national interest.
Obama’s belligerent statements of striking in Pakistan (if the country does not act or unable to strike the high profiled terrorist/s) seems very weired and aggressive to us as a Pakistani. But at least, one finds him a person who have tendency to think out of box as compared to his rival McCain or predecessor Bush. You can at least argue with him and convince him with your point of view or get convinced with his argument. But I am scared if McCain replaces Bush in White House. We have witnessed that Bush and his administration have assured its counterparts in Pakistan for not violating our sovereignty but continued their strikes which shows their ambivalence and hypocrisy.
Finally no matter whosoever wins in U.S. elections, it all depends that how strongly, effectively and convincingly we present our case diplomatically at international arena and convince them that U.S. strikes are infact strengthening extremism in that area and NATO is weakening its important ally in war against terrorism.
I like the way you have formulated the question. Frankly, I really think that things will be better for Pakistan and the world, no matter who wins!
Don’t mean to read too much into this, but it is funny that he background of McCain’s sign is black and of Obama’s is white!
Is there a subtle message there?