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

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.

Darhur, who owns a kitchen supply stall in a Bayaa market, added through an interpreter that Obama will bring a change to the American presidency.

"He’s good for the future of Iraq, and he’ll do a lot of good in Iraq," Darhur said. "Plus, he’s got a black face."

"Change" was the theme of Obama’s campaign, and it resonated with many Iraqis as well.

Like Darhur, many thought the election of America’s first black president signaled that a new way of governing had come to the White House.

"He has a new system for America and Iraq," said Mohammad Hussein, a jobless man with 10 children.

Bayaa residents, most of whom are Shiites, were especially happy about Obama’s promise to bring U.S. soldiers home from the war.

Negotiators for Iraq’s Shiite-dominated government pressed for a troop withdrawal timeline, while some Shiite leaders want the Americans to leave immediately.

Shakur Juad Kathem, like many in his neighborhood, agreed that it was time for the Americans to go.

"We just want the bases to leave Iraq — and we want [Obama] to maintain the roads," he said.

Kathem’s mixed feelings weren’t unusual. Many of the same Iraqis who want to see American bases disappear also want the American money to continue flowing, a desire reflected in their focus on microgrants.

"We hope he’ll help all the people in Iraq," Hussein said. "The people in Iraq are poor and don’t have any business."

Not everyone was happy to see the presidency change hands, though. "Bush is good," said Ala Hassan, a Bayaa electrician. "Bush is good because he kills all al-Qaida in Iraq and Afghanistan, and he gave Iraq a new future."

Just as many remained cynical. Some predicted that America will follow the same path regardless of who’s in charge.

"The system for America, it stays the same — just the faces change," said Salah Mehdi Achmet.

Most Iraqis encountered on Wednesday, though, just wanted to see the Americans put money back into Iraqi businesses.

Kasmia Faraj approached the Americans during a discussion about Obama, but made it clear that she wanted only to discuss the status of a grant request for her husband’s shop. Seeing that the conversation was about Obama, though, Faraj decided she’d answer the questions directed her way — if not exactly with her own opinion.

"If you like him, I like him," Faraj said. "You know, if he’s bad, you wouldn’t elect him."