The crossroads of American politics and the Middle East took center stage as Muhammad al-Asi spoke to an evenly mixed audience of students and community members at the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering building on Wednesday. Al-Asi visited as part of the Voices of Opposition lecture series.

With the elections knocking harder than ever, al-Asi tackled the question of where the candidates stand on issues concerning the Middle East.

In his introduction, al-Asi said, “”This presentation is not for the faint of heart. And that this is not your average presentation by your average speaker.””

He made it clear that the elections are intertwined with the Middle East and that both candidates represent American financial, corporate and military interests.

Al-Asi said tactics may be different but the end result is the same, spreading military bases and securing the economic life of the capitalist lifeline in the United States.

He said he believes that neither of the candidates will put America before Israel.

Al-Asi said, “”The U.S. is in a chokehold by the Jewish lobbyists”” who are a major source of funding. “”Donor, fundraiser, financial committee – (these) are always coming up (in lobbyists’ titles) and you know how money talks.””

He said U.S. foreign affairs are going to be buried in the Muslim hemisphere if policies are going to be continued by those more loyal to Israel than the U.S.

Al-Asi said he wasn’t here to knock down Obama or McCain “”but they are two heads of the same body.””

“”Financials, money, financial supporters, they are the ones running the show.

“”As Americans we tend to forget that we live in a cause-and-effect world,”” he added. “”The next president will represent our country and us personally.””

Al-Asi shared how war is imminent with both Iran and Sudan, and while the search for military recruits have gone to prisons, promising to reduce sentences and promising citizenship to foreigners, the U.S. is still falling short, and a draft is already on the desk of officials.

Al-Asi said, “”Military superiority does not equal military victory”” to fight a rag-tag resistance. You need foot soldiers more than you need bombers, he added.

Engineering senior Hosain Bagheri said people may disagree with al-Asi, but he has a unique point of view.

“”I think it’s a perspective that hasn’t been heard, and it’s kind of new to the people. No one has to completely agree with or disagree with (his talk). Now it’s time for people to make their own judgments,”” Bagheri said.