Kenyans demand apology for pic of Obama in Somali dress

Woodmonkey · 03-01-2008, 16:09

Kenyans: 'Apologise for Obama photo'

By Noor Ali in Isiolo, Kenya

Kenyan elders have demanded an apology from Washington ahead of a planned protest over the controversial photograph of the American presidential hopeful Barack Obama in traditional Somali dress.

The picture, which appeared on an American website, showed the Democratic front-runner donning a white headdress and robes during a visit in 2006 to the north-eastern town of Wajir.

The photo took centre stage in an increasingly acrimonious race for the White House, with Mr Obama's aides accusing his party rival Hillary Clinton's camp of "the most shameful, offensive fear-mongering" after it was published.

Mr Obama, whose late father was from western Kenya, has fought a whispering campaign by fringe elements who wrongly say that he is Muslim and have even compared his surname to that of al-Qa'ida's leader, Osama bin Laden.

Clinton aides denied they officially approved the picture's release.

The dispute has angered many in Kenya who resent the implication that Mr Obama did anything wrong during his visit. Wajir residents plan to demonstrate after Friday prayers today to show their support for the Illinois senator. Mohamed Ibrahim, who attended a crisis meeting in Wajir yesterday by clan members who hosted Mr Obama, said: "The US government must apologise to us as a clan and the old man. We have been offended and we cannot afford to just watch and stay silent."

He said it was essential that Mrs Clinton "clear her name" too. The old man in question was the retired chief Sheikh Mohamed Hassan.

If there was no apology, the elders would demand the expulsion of US troops based in the town of Garissa.

The Source

Snowden · 03-01-2008, 16:25

This is undoubtedly the dirtiest campaign I can remember. And it's on the Democrat side mostly; Hillary will do or say (but admit to neither) anything for the power of being president of the US. I don't doubt that the picture and story came from her supporters, perhaps her campaign headquarters. But perhaps not; until, when and if it's proved, we can only surmise.

On the other hand, Hillary and other ambassadors to foreign countries do wear the clothing of that country at times; especially when there is some ceremony involved. I have a dress Arab women wore to designate they are from Jerusalem. In Arabia, the woman wears a dress designed specifically from the geographic home from which she came. I was honored to be presented with such a dress -- from a Muslim, by the way.

Now does that make me a Muslim or an Arab or even from Jerusalem? Hardly.

SherryGrace · 03-01-2008, 16:25

So what's the apology supposed to be for?

What am I not getting, here?

Woodmonkey · 03-01-2008, 17:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by SherryGrace

So what's the apology supposed to be for?

What am I not getting, here?

Who knows what the Kenyans want here. They don't seem to understand the freedom of speech we have in this country and that the government cannot tell candidates, or their supporters, what to (or not to) say or do.

They're saying they'll boot our military from their country if we don't apologize for that picture of Obama being publicized - might not be a bad thing after all.

Snowden · 03-01-2008, 17:34

They're insulted; but I think you're spot on, Katie. Freedom of speech escapes them, and our troops wouldn't mind coming home at all!

SherryGrace · 03-01-2008, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowden

They're insulted; but I think you're spot on, Katie. Freedom of speech escapes them, and our troops wouldn't mind coming home at all!

They are insulted because he wore the traditional clothes?

Sorry...apparently I'm just being thickheaded here...but I'm not getting the issue.