[Jerusalem Post] Daoud Kuttab - In downtown Ramallah, International Youth Day was celebrated this year sponsored by America. The red, white, and blue logo of USAID with the words "From the American people" appeared everywhere including on the back of participants' T-shirts. Only a few years ago anti-American slogans used to be the norm at almost all Palestinian youth-led demonstrations. So I decided to conduct my own unscientific poll to learn what has changed. The answer can be summarized in two words: Barack Obama. The new president has done more to change America's image among Palestinians than any policy declaration. Other Palestinians stated that they have had it with the constant, intense political rhetoric. While no one was any less nationalistic, many said they were not willing to wait forever for political change and that there is more to life than following the never-ending political discourse. The writer, a Palestinian journalist, is general manager of Community Media Network Radio Al Balad.
2009-08-25 08:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive