When History Repeats Itself: From “Hussein Obama” to “Zahran Mamdani”

The news of the election of New York’s young mayor has met with varying responses in Iran. Some analysts and commentators express astonishment that a Shiite Muslim known for his anti-Israel stance could rise to power in one of the United States’ most important cities, seeing it as a sign of fracture within the political and bureaucratic establishment of the new Republicans led by Donald Trump. Others, however, cautiously interpret it as a reflection of the reaction of New York’s lower and disaffected social classes, uniting with the fragmented Democrats.

Interestingly, another group—speaking in the language of the Islamic Revolution and from official platforms in Iran—has described the high-profile New York mayor as a symbol of Twelver Shiism, a resonating voice of the Islamic Revolution, and even as the message of the November 4 (13 Aban) rally echoing through New York. To support this claim, they have cited his family background, personal recollections, and statements attributed directly to the mayor, regarding them as evidence that strengthens their viewpoint.

To the first two analyses, several points and considerations should be added, and to the third view, a note of warning must be given out of sincere concern—lest bitter experiences of the past be repeated. Zahran Mamdani is an American citizen, just like Steve Jobs, the Apple founder of Syrian descent; Dara Khosrowshahi, the Iranian-born CEO of Uber Technologies; or Sundar Pichai, the Indian-born CEO of Google, who succeeded Larry Page.

The United States is a land of immigrants, and these young or middle-aged elites—all among that country’s billionaires—are now part of the upper class and the capitalist elite within America’s technocratic and political structure. They cannot act outside the framework of U.S. laws, national interests, or the fundamental strategies of its political, financial, military, and technological institutions, because they themselves are stakeholders and policy architects within that system.

Their lifestyles also make this abundantly clear. Religious, socialist, or egalitarian slogans are part of their campaign strategies to attract votes—modern techniques used in electoral marketing. While Trump has alienated immigrant communities, Mamdani and the Democrats are striving to win them back. The real issue now is that the pretentious and self-assured Democratic establishment—comprised of the elite academic and aristocratic families such as the Clintons and the Obamas—must give way to more “common” and “popular” figures if the Democrats wish to unite with the poor and immigrant populations to defeat the powerful Neo-Republican bloc led by Trump and his allies.

Zahran Mamdani is the flagbearer of that movement—the tip of the spear the Democrats have launched toward their rival front in an attempt to reclaim their lost ground and reputation.

Nevertheless, the rise of Mamdani as a Muslim mayor of New York—much like the Muslim mayor of London—marks a fundamental transformation in the lives of Western Muslim immigrants. Muslims have shed the role of passive minorities and have become active citizens. More importantly, Mamdani’s openly anti-Zionist and anti-Israel positions—raising the Palestinian flag and condemning the “butcher of Gaza,” Benjamin Netanyahu—have become a nightmare for Tel Aviv. For Hamas, now isolated alongside Gaza’s displaced people, this means a new and powerful voice emerging in the heart of the United States, near Wall Street itself, where even a number of Jewish critics have publicly supported the Muslim mayor, condemning the extremist and criminal right-wingers within the Israeli government.

Mamdani has articulated clear slogans on these issues, though it remains to be seen how they translate into action and policy.

Yet, a word of caution must be directed at those who emphasize Mamdani’s religious prestige, Twelver Shiite identity, or supposed Hezbollah lineage—and also to those who regard his victory as the “result” of the November 4 (13 Aban) rally’s message reaching America. We have encountered similar cases before. Superficial judgments, naïve enthusiasm for names, and self-created illusions have harmed our credibility and trust. The case of Barack Obama—whose middle name “Hussein” once inspired curious interpretations—has not been forgotten.

Therefore, friends and commentators are urged to exercise restraint. Considering the behavior of Mamdani’s spouse and his political party, it would be wise—for the time being—to avoid emotional declarations, expressions of kinship, or definitive judgments until his conduct and policies become clear.