Obama and the Sunset of US Power in the Middle East
Amir Taheri, Forbes | October 27, 2008
Aside from the mystical fluke that Barack Obama’s name fulfils a Shiite Muslim prophesy of the “End of Times,” his proposed talks with Iran are also seen by many there “as a sign that the US is ready to admit defeat.” ++ Khomeinist officials prefer Obama especially because Biden supported their revolution and has voted against sanctioning Iran. ++ Obama’s election would help Ahmadinejad’s reelection and, in Iraq, would demoralize US forces. ++ However, most Iranians dislike Obama and his election may quash any US popularity there.
