In a poll conducted by IBOPE Zogby International for the Arab American
Institute Foundation**, I give you the following conclusions about results Obama’s
Middle East policy.
Executive Summary
- After improving with the election of Barack Obama in 2008 and his Cairo speech "to the Muslim world," U.S. favorable ratings across the Arab world have plummeted. In most countries, Obama's ratings are lower than at anytime during the Bush Administration, and lower than Iran’s favorable ratings (except in Saudi Arabia).
- The continuing occupation of Palestinian lands and U.S. interference in the Arab world are held to be the greatest obstacles to peace and stability in the Middle East, according this Arab Institute poll.
- While many Arabs were hopeful that the election of Barack Obama would improve U.S.-Arab relations, that hope has evaporated. Today, President Obama’s favorable ratings across the Arab world are 10% or less.
- Obama’s performance ratings are lowest on the two issues to which he has devoted the most energy: Palestine and engagement with the Muslim world.
- The U.S. role in establishing a no-fly zone over Libya receives a positive rating only in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, but, as an issue, it is the lowest priority.
- The killing of bin Laden only worsened attitudes toward the U.S.
** Oooops, this page has been taken down, but not in time for M.R. to get the facts of this survey.
No comments:
Post a Comment