For Egyptians ‘It's a new beginning’

By Charlene Gubash, NBC News Producer
CAIRO, Egypt – It may be a dark day for Joe the Plumber, but Cairo's Ali the Plumber had a grin on his face after president-elect Barack Obama's historic victory.
"It proves that racism in the United States is on the wane," concluded Ali Ibrahim.
Egyptians rejoiced at the victory of a man of African heritage. "It is the first time for a black man to win the presidency. There is democracy in America!" exclaimed Anwar Gad, a gardener in Cairo.
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| NBC News/Mohamed Muslemany |
| Cairo’s Ali the Plumber was pleased with Barack Obama’s election victory. |
Many seemed to believe that a black president will show more compassion to the Arab world. "For Arabs it’s a good thing. Bush turned the world upside down," said Gad. "Obama has African roots so he will be more sympathetic. We hope he will fix what Bush has damaged."
As if a dam burst
Egyptians at Cairo's Hard Rock Cafe applauded with joy at the culmination of an all night election watch party when they saw Obama's delegate count top the tipping point of 270.
"I am very delighted, very glad. I feel like Barak Obama is like my cousin who won the elections!" said Nada Fayez, a Cairo University economics student.
"It's a new beginning, a big difference, a big change and hopefully it's going to be for the better," smiled Dr. Aladdin Balbaa, a professor of physical therapy.
Egyptian entertainment promoter Nabil Rizk echoed the same sentiment at the Hard Rock Café election event. "This is gonna be wonderful! This is what I feel and I think we all feel this way. We all feel he is gonna be the best."
For many, it was as if a dam had burst. All the bad feelings toward the U.S. that had accumulated during the Bush administration seemed to be washed clean by Obama's victory.
"I think history is being made today," said Dr. Adly Hassanein, regional United Nations environmental director. "All kinds of barriers are being completely removed and we are facing a new era where the best can win. [Obama] touched the heart of the younger generation that are fed up with eight years of failed policies of President Bush [which] created hatred worldwide. Obama is a symbol of a new era of conciliation, peace and a sustainable future."
As for Ali the Egyptian Plumber, he believes Obama's election will herald a new era. "He wants peace, not war like Bush."