Middle Eastern Reactions to President Obama’s Reelection

“It made my day… I and my friends expected war if Romney won.” – Sima, a businesswoman in Tehran

“President Obama will press for human rights and democracy to leave his marks in history…Also, the re-election reinforces the drive for peace rather than wars in the region especially with regards to Iran.” – Jasim Husain, a former MP and economist in Bahrain

"He changed nothing during his first term and he won’t improve things in the next four years.” – Umm Omar, a thirty-four year-old resident of Damascus said of President Obama

There’s an old saying that the one you know is better than the one you don’t know…we know Obama, but not Romney.” – Hassan Gunnay, a twenty-two year-old from Sirte, Libya

“Your re-election gives you a second important chance to achieve peace in the Middle East…The future of the Middle East hinges on finding a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.” – a statement quoted King Abdullah of Jordan as saying in a letter to Obama.

“Washington’s policy will remain the same. Obama can’t do anything; he lacks the will," Abu Ismail, a beggar who lives in Damascus

“Obama is closer to Egyptians and the Arabs…Romney, I think, is farther from us.” – Mohamed Samir, 30, a financial systems consultant in Cairo expressing his relief that Obama was reelected

“Everyone thought Obama would help us, but he always sides with Israel…We don’t like him.” - Ahmed Abdeen, a twenty-seven year-old manager at a home-appliance shop in Ramallah

“We hope this victory for President Obama will make him free more to make the right decision to help freedom and dignity in Syria and all over the world.” – SNC spokesman George Sabra on the sidelines of an opposition conference on the Qatari capital of Doha