Around the Middle East, people are hopeful President-elect Barack Obama will bring a new American approach to the region.
Barack Obama said he will take on the Middle East peace process on day one. With Israel's offensive on Gaza and hundreds dead, the crisis has escalated. This Palestinian hopes Mr. Obama will be sympathetic to Palestinians.
He appeals to Mr. Obama to stop all wars all over the world.
Israelis hope the United States remains a strong ally.
"I hope that the American president is strong and will not crumble under the pressure of terrorism and crumble under the pressure of anti-Israel sentiments," he said.
Elsewhere in the Middle East, inauguration day is seen as a new chance for better relations with Washington.
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad said he does not want to judge Mr. Obama ahead of time and will wait to see what his administration will do. In Iraq, people count on Mr. Obama to draw down U.S. forces while fulfilling America's promises of democracy and lasting stability.
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