Ahead of the March 4th presidential primary in Ohio, many Muslims in Ohio are lending their support to Barack Obama. While a large majority of Muslims backed George W. Bush eight years ago, there is strong support among American Muslims coalescing around Obama. Exasperation among Cleveland’s 60,000 Muslims, who are mostly middle-class and naturalize citizens, are feeling frustrated with the on-going war in Iraq, the stigmatization of Islam after September 11th, and hold concern for their civil rights. Shiite Muslims in the Shiite Unity Center supported Bush in 2000 – but now says he is voting for Obama. Though a Christian, many cite his diverse background, and precisely a relatable background, as attractive in the presidential hopeful.
