How The Election Looks From Across the Ocean... And Desert

I was in Nouakchott the other day awaiting my lost bags from my flight from Casablanca. I had to stay at one of the Peace Corps hotels, and in typical bratty fashion, I immediately ran down to the front desk after I got there to demand that the receptionist give me the Action Channel on my television. He smiled and said "Of course, but only if you vote for Barack Obama!" Huh.

Africa has been going crazy over Barack Obama ever since he was even a thought for a Presidential candidate. It is not exactly very difficult to understand why. As the first African American to receive a presidential party nomination, he has inspired many people in the United States too. Africa is full of, well, Africans. Before Obama, your average West African living in a small village would be hard pressed to believe that black people even EXISTED in America. Now a black man is running for President of one of the most powerful nations in the world. In Obama, they see a highly intelligent black man who has worked hard and is now very famous, powerful, and will hopefully lead a country come November. I believe that this inspires them. Racism in Africa is still VERY pervasive. It is still assumed that, because I am white, that I am better educated than anyone here, more wealthy, and nearly possess magic powers. Black people view themselves as poorer than I am, less intelligent, and generally oppressed ("oppressed" is probably a fair statement). That Obama has gotten where he has reassures and gives hope. A black man running for President of the United States. Beautiful.
I believe that Obama's popularity in Mauritania goes far beyond his skin color. Remember, I live in the ISLAMIC REPUBLIC of Mauritania: a country comprised of 3 million Muslims, the majority of which are of Moorish descent and speak a derivative of the Arabic language. Even Moors, who are notorious racist against black people, are fully behind Barack Obama. Why? Because he is not George W Bush, nor does he come from the same political party. Yes, there are Mauritanians who support the war in Iraq, but your average Mauritanian sees the war as a deadly crusade against Muslims. They believe that Bush is ignorant of Islam and Arab culture, and that he would rather start big wars in this part of the world than build healthy relationships. Honestly, this is probably a fair point of view. America is popular, but George Bush is NOT. Mauritanians love America in spite of George Bush, and trust US voters to make a better decision for President in 2008. Although I have explained to many people here that John McCain is NOT George Bush, it falls on deaf ears. I have explained that he is more intelligent, more experienced, and breaks with the Bush Administration on a variety of issues. However, I am inevitably asked about his stance on the Iraq War. Which is... that he will keep US troops in Iraq and continue fighting. Regardless of every other difference, this similarity between Bush and McCain is enough to make his extremely unpopular here.

Ok, fine. I hear ever single conservative reading this blog saying "Who gives a &*%*) if an islamic Republic, a country full of future terrorists, supports our new President? Nuke the bastards!" Right.
Mauritania is unique. We are a Muslim country that has a total infatuation with the United States. Americans in this country are popular and beloved, and generally seen as doing good things for Mauritania and the rest of the world. Mauritania officially recognizes Israel, and is one of the few Arab countries in the world to do so. And, although victim of 2 minor terrorist attacks in 2007, has zero tollerance for al-Qaeda, who is very unpopular here (that being said, pockets of al-Qaeda do exist in some towns and villages). America needs to care because this is precisely the type of country that it wants on its side.
The moral of the story is this: the whole world is watching, America. They are trusting you to elect a President that will govern America well, but that will also steer America well in foreign policy and the global community, whether that be Obama or McCain. The world is becoming smaller, and we need a President that with skills in diplomacy, specifically skills that do not necessarily involve large scale, illegal, and unprovoked military invasions. The rest of the world is talking, so LISTEN.
As for Mauritania, the message is clear: "Go Obama! No one likes Republicans! And of right, please reinstate our foreign aid. Really guys, we're sorry about that whole coup thing." It will be interesting to see how/ if thought progresses when December 2008 arrives.