World Public Opinion Poll Reveals Growing Hostility Toward America and Its Foreign Policy

Interview with Ed Bice, executive director of People's Opinion Project, conducted by Scott Harris

A recent survey conducted in European and Arab nations by the Pew Global Attitudes Project, has found increasing hostility toward America and its foreign policy. The public opinion poll titled, "A Year After the Iraq War: Mistrust of America in Europe Ever Higher, Muslim Anger Persists," revealed that antagonism for the U.S. has intensified among the people of France, Germany and Britain. This comes as there is growing support in Europe for foreign and military policies more independent of the United States.

In Muslim countries surveyed, resentment against the U.S. is pervasive. Majorities of those polled in four Muslim nations doubt the sincerity of the U.S. war on terrorism and believe instead that Washington's policies are aimed at controlling Middle East Oil and to dominate the world. More alarmingly, Osama bin Laden is viewed favorably by large percentages of people in Pakistan, Jordan and Morocco. The recent Israeli assassination of the wheelchair-bound Hamas spiritual leader Sheik Ahmed Yassin has undoubtedly deepened the already burning rage against America in the Arab and Muslim world.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with Ed Bice, executive director of the People's Opinion Project, who examines the Pew Center's polling data, what it means for America's standing in the world and why there is such a wide gap between world and U.S. public opinion.

Contact the People's Opinion Project by calling (415) 488-0618 or visit their website at www.thepop.org.

Related links


"A Year After Iraq War, Mistrust of America in Europe Ever Higher, Muslim Anger Persists," The Pew Research Center, March 16, 2004

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