Wednesday, November 26, 2008

What does President Obama mean for Sudan?

When the annoucement was made that President Elect Barack Obama was nominated as the 44th president of the United States, no one can deny the victorious cheer that resonated across the globe. An example that I'm going to go with hits close to home. All my friends from Sudan were beyond ecstatic at Obama's sweeping triumph. Whether they were people I knew that resided within Sudan or ex-patriates living abroad - they were undoubtedly thrilled at the new U.S. president. I was, and still am, right there beside them sharing their excitement. Alas, not all is rose-colored my friends.

I want to ask you, especially, fellow Sudanese aged 18-27: why are you so ecstatic at Obama's nomination? Is it because it's just NOT McCain or does he possess some kind of ideal that you find immeausureably admirable? Lastly, and this is the point I want you to really reflect on..do you, fellow Sudanese, know what Obama's presidency means to our home country?



I didn't think so.



It is our responsibilty, our duty to know, to understand to be prepared for what's to come. Sure President Elect Obama is a wonderful man. He's charming, he represents the ideals of change, progressiveness, the silver lining in the course of bad U.S. political affairs. Plus, he's an ethnic minority. Always a plus, right? But it's more than that. So much more. This situation needs to be viewed at via Obama's team. First, his Vice President, Joe Biden.



Senator Biden is the chairman of the foreign relations committee at the US senate and presided over many hearings discussing the situation in Darfur. He has been extremely active and voiceful in regards to the Darfur issue.

In April 2007 he said "it’s time to put force on the table and use it." Biden said that senior US military NATO officials in Europe told him that 2,500 U.S. troops could “radically change the situation on the ground [in Darfur]”.

So, after letting that marinate for a little, I urge you to ask yourself again - what does this mean for Sudan?

Allow me to pose future scenarios. The U.S. is facing one of its most challenging times in its history: the economic crisis. Barack Obama is going full-fledged with this #1 issue on America's minds. He just completed setting up his economic advisory board, fully equipped with former Federal Reserve chairman Paul A. Volcker, and is preparing himself for some serious investiagtions and assessments to possible solutions on this growing problem. You can say that starting January 20, 2009, Obama's schedule will pretty much be heavily dedicated towards dealing with this financial mess. So, as far as Washington's foreign-relations are concerned, there are loud whispers among sources that Hillary Clinton will be appointed as President Obama's Secreatry of State. It's looking more and more certain that Hillary will be taking over on C Street.

In a letter to President George Bush dated February 8, 2008, Hillary Clinton urged the administration to work towards tackling the Darfur situation:

"The genocide in Darfur must be brought to an end, and the United States has a responsibility as a world leader to bring its weight to bear in order to achieve peace...It is time for this administration to develop a clear, coherent policy toward Sudan and to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to stop this tragedy.”


Through various amendments and speeches, Sen. Clinton makes it utterly clear that "the United States should apply all points of pressure" to ensure that the govenrment of Sudan takes action to stop the situation in Darfur.

Essentially, Obama's VP and his potential Secretary of State will be the ones leading all things foreign-related while he strives to tackle the economic state of the country. With that said, I ask you, fellow Sudanese, once again: what does this mean for our country?


I believe, passionately, that over 200,000 civilian deaths and 2.5 million displaced is not something to shrug your shoulders and casually look the other way about. Not at all. But while Brtain ruled over India, Lord Louis Moutbatten told Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi: "If we just leave, there will be chaos," to what Ghandi replied: "Yes, but it will be our chaos."

Darfur is a horrible situation, one that, without a doubt, needs critical attention. But it is our responsibility, our chaos. The very LAST thing Sudan needs is U.S. forces injected into our country. We do not need another Iraq. As editor of Newsweek International Fareed Zakaria stated: "if the United States acted alone or with a small coalition - invading its third Muslim country in five years - the attempt would almost certainly backfire, providing the Sudanese government with a fiery rallying cry against "U.S. imperialism."


So in effect, when 2009 rolls around, strengthetning U.S. pressure on Sudan, by however methods they deem necessary, may be a top item on the Presidential to-do list. The only aspect that may possibly withstand a move towards that direction is again, the troubled economy. Right now, the U.S. does not have the money to send a ship to Somalia to ratify the piracy happening off the coast of Somalia or send more troops to the lingering situation in Afghansitan, let alone plan, train, manage and command another military movement to Sudan. But if the economy does begin to straighten itself out, the prospect is still out there.

So, I ask you again, fellow Sudanese: what does President Obama really mean for Sudan?

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The world is your playground - you can't escape the bully.

America is everywhere. From the 100 Billboard Singles being played on my TV in Saudi Arabia, to McDonald's in Kuala Lampur. The United States influence has literally reached every corner of the Earth. Now, there are some places like in Khartoum, Sudan where, given the not-so-close US-Sudan relations, one cannot see a Starbucks at every corner nor the big golden arcs beaming from every direction. For political reasons that I choose not to get into (at least not now), countries like Sudan do not host the enterprises that make America the powerhouse of the globe. But, don't go waving your Sudanese flag in nationalistic pride just yet. We may not have Kentucky Fried Chicken, but we sure do have California Fried Chicken. Pizza Hut? No, we offer Pizza Hot. And for the good ol' golden arcs, we don't conform. You can find: Lucky Meal, proudly boasting an M, not to be mistaken for the McDonald's "m".


Globalization is everywhere. It's seeping into every nook and cranny of every country. You cannot possibly escape it. Let me make myself clear: I have nothing against the concept of globalization. I think Thomas Friedman, globalization expert, makes some excellent eye-opening points about globalization. However, I have some...well..concerns.


1) Since when does globalization necessarily mean Americanization?


2) Can globalization and culture live in harmony?





When I observe the world around us and how fast things are changing, I cannot help but imagine a typical middle school playground. You have the bully and you have the frail outcast. The bully is there. Always there. He's watching you and if you got something he wants, he'll get it. If the frail outcast, with his coke-bottle glasses, doesn't conform to what the bully wants, he's done. Your time at the playground will be your worst nightmare. No swings, no see-saw. Nothing. If you give in to the bully, maybe even be his sidekick and start talking and dressing like him, your chances of surviving in that playground look pretty darn good.


Do you see where I'm going?


The United States is like one big bully. It is the newest country in the world. But boy the U.S. of A. came in with a vengeance. The 232-year old independent nation is the world's super power. Countries that do not go in line with what the U.S. puts forth, are immediately black listed, sanctioned, or something else that can ultimately harm their economy or development. It's 4th grade all over again.


I do not hate the United States. Not at all. Their ideals of freedom and opportunity are unique and the driving factor of their global advancement and success. I have the U.S. to thank for my education. So for that, I am grateful. If anything, I have to give the U.S. credit. Kudos for their ability to have the entire world strive to be like them, be loved by them, or just settle to not be hated by them. Even countries who have U.S. imposed economic sanctions, still have the smell of Western influence drizzled across the country.


Example. During the hypness of the U.S. elections, there was this global frenzy going on. I was in Sudan this past summer. There are these 3-wheeled battery powered cars called "rakshas" they're the cheaper form of transportation, found also in India - they're very noise, very unsafe, very cheap. I spotted a raksha speeding past us one hot day in Khartoum with a big bold sticker in its back window proudly reading: "OBAMA"

Still not satisfied?

Well, try visiting one of the run down cities of Khartoum. Electricity and water are luxuries. When they manage to get the electricity up and running again after 48-hours of shortages, you better believe that you will hear 50 Cent's "In the Club" blasting through the old 1970s tape player.

Globalization.



Then the culture issue comes to play. Globalization has no culture. It's an entity, a movement, a force that has no limitations. It does not take into account the implications on a country's culture or traditions. So you are then faced with young adults in developing nations whose parents, and parents' parents seem like totally different species. These 18, 19-year-olds with their hip hugging jeans, adorned with their iPods and Steve Maddens, and E!TV, speak a completely different language than their families. Their heads are utterly and totally geared toward "that day" when they will finally be in univesity in the States or in the U.K...when they can let out an exasperated sigh: "finally I'm home." Should a line be drawn? Should someone grab these young people by the shoulders and scream : "you're NOT American!" Should we shut them in their rooms prohibiting the forces of globalization to rape them of their cultural backbone?



I think the answer lies in the stigma associated with the word "bully". A balance is needed in where we can look at this bully, at his positive traits, use them. And for everything else, keep our coke-bottle glasses on despite the name-calling and accept the fact that the playground will always be run by someone else.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Sarah's Fate

From her designer glassess to her snazzy outfits, Governor Sarah Palin was in and out like the hi-top fade cut trend. She definitly created a stir within the campaign. Unfortunately her light didn't shine so bright as things progressed in the election. There's a number of factors which led to her short-lived popularity, many which are now voiced by anonymous Republican campagin sources. She came in with such a full force, though. The media had a field day with her. The opposing campaign had to have felt some kind of concern over their fate. I have to admit, it was a very strategic move by McCain - trying to save his troubled campaign by adding a young, "picture perfect" woman. No shady past, can relate very much to the typical American woman and can compensate for the issue about McCain's age. We didn't know it then, but after the campagin was over and President Elect Obama celebrated his victory, things here and there crept up about Sarah Palin - her inability to stay on cue with speech topics, the controversy surrounding her pricey wardrobe, prioritizing her own self-interest ahead of the campaigns'. So now that she's basically been admired, questioned, examined, scrutinized, and then forgotten by the American public and the media - what's Sarah's fate? Travel back to Alaska and regain control of her position as the Governor? Some have suggested starting up a talk show? Travel around the nation and deliver speeches? Stay at home and take care of her growing family?

I have a suggestion. What about becoming a "community organizer"? Apparently they're known to make something of themselves and even end up becoming Presidents.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

We're not racist, we just like to pretend you don't exist

The elephant in the room. That's the first phrase that came to mind when I read a Nov. 6 article published on the NY Times entitled "Among Young Muslims, Mixed Emotions on Obama." The article describes the sentiment of various Muslim college students for Obama.

"It was easy for them to love the candidate. With the same passion, and for the same reasons that millions of other young people did, they loved Barack Obama's call to activism, the promise of change, the sheer newness of the guy. What was hard was feeling they could not show it because they were Muslims."

Now, that's kind of aggravating. I know, I know, I know post 9/11, "Muslim" "Islam" "Allah" "Jihad" "Mosque" have all been words that create a tidalwave of shock, fear, and an inevitable nervous smile coupled with a hasty exit. Bringing any kind of empathy toward those 'Muslims' is a big no-no within the political arena. But I have to ask myself, and you, dear reader, what gives? It just seems plain silly that having Muslim supporters is something to be ashamed of. Shouldn't it manifest your peaceful vision for the nation? Shouldn't it prove, even more, your ideal for "not a White, not a Black, not an Asian America but a UNITED States of America?"

The article states: "The campaign had dismissed a Muslim staff member for seemingly flimsy reasons. A campaign worker had shuttled two young Muslim women wearing head scarves out of the line of sight of TV cameras at a rally."

I'm a woman. I'm Muslim and I wear a headscarf. If I was an American citizen, I would be the FIRST person in line to vote for Mr. Obama, fully adorned with my long-sleeved Obama for Change shirt. No problem. But I can't help but think - why am I so outspoken about my support for you, when you use every possible twist and turn NOT to show your support of me? Maybe I'm too hopeful, maybe I've got my head in the clouds. Afterall, it is all politics. It would, as these young college students stated, badly hurt his campaign if he outwardly voiced his love, support, empathy and acceptance of Muslim Americans.

Then the unthinkable happend. Good ol' Colin Powell.
Answering a question about Mr. Obama's faith, Mr. Powell said: "Well, the correct answer is he is not a Muslim, he’s a Christian. He’s always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country?”
That made me wanna pat the man on the back. A Republican, formerly a part of the Bush administration, told America that Muslims are not necessiarily the poision that they are painted to be. Okay, maybe not in those particular words. But, it felt nice.
Now, I have to admit. When I first heard Mr. Powell say that, I thought to myself, "Hmm..this seems to be a calculated response, strategically placed for Mr. Powell to say something Obama can't. And since Powell had at this point already endorsed Obama, it could be taken as Obama's viewpoint too. Instead he wouldn't get the *Gasp! A terrorist supporter* response for it. "
But there's my cyncial side once again. It could or could not be the case.

So, although we may not hear "Muslim Americans, America feels your struggles" anytime soon, I'm not going to hate President Elect Barack Obama for it. Don't wanna raise my expactions too high. I'm happy enough that his middle name wasn't made into too much of an obstacle for him. For now, let's just pretend the Elephant in the room doesn't exist; the Donkey JUST made its way in, and people are loving it.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Don't OD on the race card!

The dawn of a new era has settled upon us. As millions of viewers tuned in to witness a historical moment in our history when Barack Obama was elected as the president of the United States of America, millions more shed tears of pure exhilarated joy that finally, after years of struggle, a Black man made his way into the White House and into the most powerful position of not only the very country where the last lynching took place less than 30 years ago, but the world.

But how much is too much? It seems that every station I tune in to, every paper I read through, every headline I glance over, reads something to the effect of: "Barack Obama: First African American president in the U.S." or "The first Black man in U.S. history as president." The recurring statements just keep on coming. Whether its through the excited voices of African Americans proclaiming their pride or in running commentaries headlining Obama's race. I very much agree with something former Republican Secretary of State Colin Powell said in an interview with CNN saying that "President-elect Obama is going to be a president for all of America", although he happens to be Black. I like that. "Happens to be Black". We, as a people, cannot be confused. Mr. Obama was not running as a Black president, he ran as a President. Plain and simple. The only way the U.S. can break free of the racial divide that has become so embedded in society is to quit the labeling. It's easier said than done, I know. But it gets a little much when I see the ample exposure that is just NOW being shed on the fact that the President-Elect is...BLACK! CNN International, God love them, did a whole piece on it. Went to the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Atlanta, Georgia. Interviewed various African Americans, devoted a lot of time to honor the struggle that was endured in this long journey for Black people in America.
.....really?! Come on. I don't want to sound cynical, but where was all this pre-Obama? Did it JUST dawn on someone that slavery was outlawed, like, less than 50 years ago?! I'm going on a tangent, but if you, me, the media, African Americans, Caucasians, want to celebrate the victory of Mr. Obama, fine. But please, PLEASE don't celebrate it on account that he is Black. That does not, I repeat, DOES NOT, mean that he will be a wonderful leader. And it's going to backfire. It's going to perpetuate the color divide among us. We cannot focus on that, Mr. Rupert Murdoch, or whoever controls the media.
And to my fellow Black people (I'm saying Black, not only African Americans), do not linger in this aspect. Do not, please, over dose on the race card. It is indeed a fantastic, joyous occasion that America could look beyond color in electing their president, but do not show that that is the ONLY thing you are proud of. He will be president of the UNITED States of America. It's not "President-elect Obama, welcome to the Black House!" It's not "We got a BLACK man in charge now", no. Let's not walk 50 years back mentally; let's see this victory for what it truly is, an EDUCATED, FORWARD-THINKING, DEDICATED, HUMBLE, INSPIRING leader has been elected.....who just happens to be Black.

Definition: Obamania [o-bah-mey-nee-yuh] : noun

Obamania : (n).; used to describe the intense emotions that are associated with Barack Obama's election as president of the U.S.A.

The response was indescribable. Dancing in the streets, singing, celebrating. Festivites of all kinds. An article published on the New York Times Politics Blog The Caucus Blog listed various reactions observed from around the globe. From the renown city of Obama's late father -Kisimu, Kenya:


"Thousands of people sang, danced, blew whistles, honked horns, hugged, kissed and thumped on drums — all down the same streets where not so long ago huge flames of protest had raged.“Who needs a passport?” people yelled. “We’re going to America!”

to the U.A.E.:


“I want Obama to win with 99 percent, like Saddam Hussein,” said Hani Abu Ayyash, who was monitoring the early returns at his computer. “I swear, if he doesn’t win, I’m going to take it personally.”



to India:



"At the American Center nearby, where big screen television monitors broadcast news of the election, Sukanya Bhardwaj, 19, a college student studying politics, said Obama’s victory was testament to the candidate’s abilities but also to the maturity of American voters. “It has become the greatest democracy,” she said. “It has proved it is ready for a black president.”



and even Venezuala:



“Pull up a seat, we’re celebrating tonight,” said Mr. Cisneros, 37, opening a bottle of Blender’s Pride whiskey. He poured the spirit into plastic cups, mixed in some orange juice, and declared to his guests, “The United States is choosing a black man as its president. Maybe we can share a bit in this happiness.”



The list goes on to continue places like Indoensia, Iraq, Germany, the little town of Obama, Japan, and some of my personal observations from Sudan.



The world has been hit and hit HARD by this wave of Obamania. But, like with every extreme flush of sentiment, or, in this case, hysteria, there's the after-affect, the hangover, the morning sickness, the groggyness, the slap of reality.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not pessimistic nor am I trying to subdue the overwhelming sense of excitment and pride taking over so many communities. I just want to reflect on something.

Obama being elected is great news, its exhilirating. The first African American president in U.S. history, the change from the 8 years of disaster before him, the change all together. There's a lot of positive aspects one can look at.

However, I'm worried.

Let's look at this a little closer: The hype has intensified to levels I did not know existed. There is this united force of accomplishment across the board. People are excited. But are expectations being set a little too high? The reactions compiled by the NY Times show an array of responses, all hopeful. Mr. Obama has his work cut out for him. The level of expectations have been set to another level, one that may be a little unrealstic. Some are calling him the messiah, expecting him to deliver us from the catastrophes of this world. Others referring to him as the "answer to all" - the Palestinan/Israeli conflict, the Iraq war, the economy, reparing the damaged image of America across the world. He is in fact walking into a very challenging situation - 2 wars and a downspiraling economy, not a very attractive pair. Let's just hope the mania doesn't over cloud people's good judgement and force them to believe that the young senator from Chicago is a miracle-worker.




So, I guess in the meantime, I'm going to have to entertain myself with the 1000+ Facebook status' proclaiming their love for Obama until the Obamania begins to phase out and it's back to the regular "So-and-so is studying" and "so-and-so hates you for breakin up with me"

The reason I started to transcribe the flow

November 5th, 6:10a.m.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

My alarm was ringing incessantly in my ear. I got up in a shock wave of what seemed to be a mix of excitement, anticipation, uncertainty, all wrapped up with the distinct sense of exhaustion. Never was much of a morning person. But on this morning, my grumpiness did not have the opportunity to stand center stage. I, along with the rest of the world, was going to discover who was the elected president of the United States of America for 2009.
I sat in my living room, AC set on high blast, droning on and on in the background. The hot Saudi sun was already up, sizzling away for the country to take in. I sat alone that morning, and switched on to the extensive live coverage of the election on CNN international. The announcement came between 7:45 and 8a.m. Barack Obama is the President Elect for the United States of America. I jumped up in sheer delight. I even let out a "yes!" throughout the quietness of my home. It was a strange feeling. I'm not American, I wasn't born there, I didn't spend a lot of my life there, I don't even know the 50 states by heart. But I was quite proud of the Americans. Then the commentary started. Not the panel of experts that sit around and discuss and provide their powerful insight and engage in stimulating conversations. The running commentary that goes through my head. I had so much to say, so much to discuss, so much to reflect on. I would rely on the late hours of the night, midnight my time, so 4pm D.C. time, when my friends would sign in online and we could chat endlessly about this and that. I even found myself picking conversations at work with people who did not necessarily care about the results. Nor did they understand why I was so amped by something that did not even involve me. I needed to express myself, to share, to listen and be heard.

Then I decided to take this flow of ideas that this election hype had fueled, and begin to blog.