Mon, 08/04/2008 11:04 AM | Reader's Forum
Several months ago there was a lot of excitement in Indonesia over the prospect of one of "its own" becoming elected president of the United States.
Barack Obama was fondly remembered as "Barry" by his fellow classmates and teachers from his former Menteng school who were all a-tither whereas his redneck American critics were using his Indonesian past as something alien and not to be trusted.
But as his campaign for the Democratic nomination unfolded we received increasing insight into ObamaMs actual political views.
These included support for abortion and same-sex marriages. His recent trip to Israel has displayed a decided tilt to that country away from Palestinians.
He has sided with the IsraeliMs in an undivided Jerusalem which should be recognized as the capital of Israel although many nations such as Indonesia continue to look to Tel Aviv as the capital of a country they would prefer not to recognize.
Lately his staff even asked headscarf-wearing Muslim women to leave the audience behind Obama in a televised speech. They are clearly trying to distance their candidate from any imputation that Obama is himself Muslim or is courting the support of Muslim voters.
One does wonder if IndonesiansM opinion of Obama would change once they understand that several of his political views challenge the conservative official stance of Indonesian society and its overwhelming support for Palestinians against Israel.
Certainly no Indonesian politician holding ObamaMs very liberal social views and support for Israel would have a hope in hell of achieving any kind of success in Indonesian politics.
T. COTTON
Pattaya, Thailand
