U.S. politics not the first thing on most Iraqi citizens’ minds

[unhappycamper]

U.S. politics not the first thing on most Iraqi citizens’ minds
By James Warden, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, November 6, 2008

BAGHDAD — Tuesday was a historic day for the United States, but Iraqis in Baghdad’s Bayaa district had more mundane matters on their minds when soldiers patrolled through their neighborhood Wednesday morning as the election results were still coming in.

Conversations with Iraqis about the election inevitably began and ended with the locals cajoling nearby soldiers for "microgrants," small injections of money aimed to spur business growth. At times, the Iraqis seemed eager to discuss just about anything but the election — including problems with their own president, job shortages and business difficulties.

The reaction was a stark contrast with the record turnout at polls in the United States.

Nevertheless, most Iraqis’ faces lit up when they learned that Obama had clinched the presidential election.

"Obama good!" Abu Mustafa Darhur said in English, giving a thumbs up and a beaming smile.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=58658