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Barack Obama's re-election reverberates far beyond US borders — so much so that citizens of some distant nations, like Pakistan and Turkey, say they too should have been able to vote. To give them a voice, GlobalPost interviewed people around the world for their views on the United States and who they hoped would win the election.
Mariya KarimjeeOctober 11, 2012 06:15
US Election: What if Pakistan could vote?
'For us, it’s not like any candidate is going to be a good one.'
'For us, it’s not like any candidate is going to be a good one.'
GlobalPost series: See what the world thinks about election 2012
Click for more voices from around the world
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/pakistan/120925/us-election-what-if-pakistan-could-vote
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While most of the world is glad Barack Obama won, it isn't partying like it's 2008.
Hugo Chavez supporters back Barack Obama, while some of the strongman's enemies in Venezuela favor Chavez-bashing Republican Mitt Romney.
Netizens note the stark contrast between noisy US elections and China's state of lockdown before Thursday's transition.
Egyptians say Obama has failed to deliver on his promises of peace. But they also say Romney would have been worse.
Mexicans welcomed US President Barack Obama’s election victory — and Colorado and Washington's fresh dent in the drug war.
It was 7 a.m. and the mud ground was littered with empty brandy bottles when CNN finally called it for Barack Obama.
Re-election is viewed as “safe” for business and foreign policy: "Many of us aspire to have leaders like Obama. He thinks and is introspective."
People say Romney’s defeat leaves the world a more stable place.
Poor villagers in the region can cite Obama’s name while even college grads may be stumped if asked to name his Republican rival.
Canadians may elect a Conservative government more akin to Republican red than Democratic blue — yet they seem to love President Barack Obama.
Cuban government will consistently oppose whichever candidate is elected.
Relations between US and Turkey have soared under US President Barack Obama.
US relations with Afghanistan have deteriorated under Obama.
US influence is so widespread in Pakistan, citizens say they should have right to vote in US election.
From Mexico to South Africa to the UK, thoughts on US foreign policy.
Mitt Romney has accused Barack Obama of letting Egypt slip away. But is it the president’s fault?
Experts say China prefers the continuity and consistency of a second Obama term.
The candidates neglect to address the United States’ 'backyard,' despite major challenges.
Chinese pay unprecedented attention to the US election, but not for the reasons you might think.
What’s at stake for US-Cuba relations in the American presidential election?
More voters love emailing ballots. But is digital voting a threat to national security?
Obama rescued the continent’s opinion about the United States, but passions are fading.
In a 2012 election outside the United States, Barack Obama would beat Mitt Romney 65 percent to 18 percent, GlobalPost finds.
Both candidates have had harsh words for China, and their tough talk carries huge risks.
INFOGRAPHIC: GlobalPost tapped into our global network of correspondents ahead of the 2012 US presidential election to ask locals whom they would vote for.*
Even in era of emailed ballots, corralling far-flung voters proves troublesome.
However, the country's leaders may find Mitt Romney’s confrontational stance more useful.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says if he were American he would vote for Barack Obama in the US presidential election.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are trading jabs over deteriorating relations with the US.
Despite advocating stringent relations with China, Romney's tax return reveals substantial investments there.
The Republican ticket has invoked the specter of China on the campaign trail. But where do they really stand?
While Romney benefits from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s barely disguised support, backers in Israel worry his campaign is on the fritz.
'Our own national elections do not have an impact on Afghanistan, why should an election in America?'
In South America's economic powerhouse, respondents say the US must fix its economy.
The Canadians we spoke to are overwhelmingly pro-Obama and concerned about their neighbors' health care.
'[Obama] is like a dog, running around biting peaceful people for no reason.'
Most Cubans want to re-elect Obama to lift the trade embargo, but some think he's a communist.
'Until now, Obama hasn’t done anything for the Middle East. All of it is talk.'
'I maybe prefer that he not bomb Syria. Or Iran.'
With the Hong Kong dollar pegged to the US dollar, locals want an American president who keeps a close eye on the money.
'Where we are currently, I think we need someone to take care of general people more than big business.'
'I don't know Romney, but I wouldn't vote for Obama. Because my feeling is that he is anti-Israel.'
The Japanese are split over who should lead the US next.
'Obama has been a disappointment because he promised to close Guantanamo Bay which he didn’t. The foreign policy of the US is not very favorable.'
Mexicans recently had an election of their own. Now they're wondering how well Washington's next boss with jibe with theirs.
'US dialogue against countries like Iran worries me. Our world does not need more war.'
'Obama, being an African who is contesting as president is proud for Africa and the world entirely.'
'For us, it’s not like any candidate is going to be a good one.'
'He has to be not for Israelis, and not for Palestinians. He has to be for peace.'
'America is in a transition period now, from a militant nation to a nation of freedom.'
'Having a black face up there makes people feel like there’s less racial tension — although there isn’t, but it looks that way.'
Thais say Obama is OK, but as one respondent sums it up: 'America is both 'BS' and cool at the same time.'
'I think it's exciting to have a multicultural president who represents a wider spectrum of people in the United States.'
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