Pakistanis eye US presidential candidates
Many fear the financial crisis roiling America could mean a drop in aid and trade with Pakistan.
“Things are going to be worse for Pakistan in the post-election scenario,” predicted Irum Khan, a 28-year-old psychologist in Karachi. “The new U.S. government will face immense financial pressure and they will not be able to look after Pakistani interests, financial or political.”
Obama has several advantages in Pakistani eyes.
He is a Democrat, offering hope for a fresh American foreign policy after eight years of President Bush, who is deeply unpopular in Pakistan.
The notion of a U.S. president with African roots is attractive to many Pakistanis, who believe he may be more receptive to developing world concerns.
Some like Obama because they believe — incorrectly — that he is Muslim.