What does Iran think of the US Elections?

Today I interview Fariba Amini, a regular contributer to The Iranian and Payvand, Iranian news publications. She is also a human rights activist and the publisher of Letters from Ahmad Abad, Prime Minister Mossadegh’s letters to his lawyer, Nosratollah Amini

MG: Do you think Iranians were happy that Barack Obama said he would talk to the Islamic Government of Iran? Do you think they are excited at the prospect of renegotiations?

FA:I think so,although a lot of Iranians like Bush, they liked the policy of putting pressure on the gov’t. A lot of Iranians think that the US shouldn’t talk to Iran.

MG: How closely are Iranians watching the US election?

FA: Iranians follow the news all the time. The younger generation is not for for McCain, But there is a large segment [of the Iranian population] that believes that the republican government can bring [social and economic] change [for Iran] by putting pressure on the Islamic republic.

MG: What is the perception of HIllary Clinton in Iran, considering the Islamic Government's restrictive treatment of women? How would they respond to Hillary Clinton being President?

FA: I think that they would be upset not because she was a woman but because she is opportunistic- one day she was for the way, the other she wasn’t- one day she was for talking to Iran, next day she wasn't. She supported the war in Iraq, now she doesn't. Nothing to do about being a women, but because they see her stances being influenced by the very important Israeli lobbyist in the US.

MG: Is has nothing to do with her gender? How does gender and race factor into this election for Iranians?

FA: They are used to powerful women in the US. They see Condi (Condolezza Rice)- they are disgusted- because of her governmental stance – not because she is black or a woman. Obama has been coniliatroy- that’s why they prefer him, he wants to break the ice

In Iran race and gender doesn’t factor as much- though there is more sympathy towards Obama because he is black

MG: How do you think Iranians view our election race? Do the Iranians see this election as historical?

FA: It's a waste of so much money- much or Europe or middle east thinks too- its an enormous waste of time and money – I think its historical because finally there might be a candidate who sees the world differently- and who isn’t ethnocentric or US-centric- Obama’s message is an honest message, and even if he isn't elected, at least it’s a start- its shows that people in the country really want changes, both domestically, economically and internationally.