I am Mahdi, 20 this year and studying at National University of Singapore. I am from Oman, but I am living in Singapore for now, and let me tell you, it's ObamaMania in both places.

The reasons why I support Barack Obama:

1.  War in Iraq - When the USA attachedk Afghanistan, we were in full support of the US, but when George Bush decided to attack Iraq, there were worldwide protests against it, including my country. In spite of being against the war, as an ally of the US, even we sent our soldiers to Iraq. US soldiers are stationed in the bases in Oman even today because of our proximity to Iraq. I support Barack for his opposition to the war. When the whole world saw the flaws in the argument against Iraq, only a few Senators and Congressmen did the same and Senator Obama was among the few who had the courage to stand against a bad, but popular, decision. He has the judgment that others running for office sorely lack.

2. Economy - My country's currency is pegged to the US dollar, that means that when the dollar value falls, so does mine and its an equally important issue for me over here as it is for you. I believe the whole mess of the economy is directly caused by the war and only Barack Obama has the capability to fix it. McCain is an absolute no because of his stance for the war and Clinton will never get anything done - not when she treats Republicans Congress members like devils.

3. War in Iran - If you feel the war in Iraq is getting tough, you haven't seen Iran yet. They are a much more powerful nation compared to Iraq and the people there are very united - unlike Iraq where they keep fighting among themselves. If the USA decides to go attack Iran like they did with Iraq, it will be the ultimate demise of a great nation. Iran has to be dealt with and no one feels the urgency more than me. We are a predominantly Sunni nation while Iran is predominantly Shitte/Shia and you know how well we get along from Iraq. But another war is not an option - not for America and not for the world. Barack Obama has remarkable skills in negotiations and his willingness to hear out his opponents puts him in a much more advantageous position than either Clinton or McCain. You do not negotiate with your opponents by terming them as the "axis of evil" and then expecting them to listen to you with an open mind. And I do not think either Clinton or McCain have the negotiating abilities that Obama does.

4. Inspiration - Even though the cynics say otherwise, it is actually on of the major reasons for electing him as President. Obama is not the George Bush who people want to have a beer with. likability and the power to inspire are very different things. Just a few minutes before I started writing this, I was watching a video of Obama's speech on the Potomac Primaries. I quote his words here:

"And if her students want to go on to college, they shouldn't fear decades of debt. That's why I'll make college affordable with an annual $4,000 tax credit, but you won't get it for free. You have to invest in community service, work in a homeless shelter, join the peace corps, learn a foreign language and join the foreign service. We will invest in you, you invest in your country, Together, America will move forward. That is what we dream of."

As a student, that moment was pure electric for me. If he can inspire me while addressing you, I can only imagine what effect it must be having on you. Don't let the cynics say that rhetoric is worthless. If he can inspire a whole generation of youth to invest in their country, work for community services, homeless shelters, etc; half of your domestic problems are solved even before he becomes the President.

So these are my purely selfish reason for supporting Senator Obama, but believe me, he is equally as good for you as he is for me.

Whew, that got long, didn't it. Three cheers for Barack Obama!

Mahdi