U.S. invasion of Iraq doesn't aid war on terror: world polls

Canadian Press

Friday, October 15, 2004

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LONDON (AP) - The United States' reputation around the world is hurting, a series of co-ordinated polls published Friday from 10 countries, including Canada, indicated.

In seven of the countries where the surveys commissioned by major newspapers were conducted, more people said their view of the United States had worsened over the last two to three years than improved. That question was asked in nine countries. By big margins, those questioned said the war in Iraq did not aid the global fight against terrorism.

And in eight out of 10 countries, those polled said - often in landslide proportions - they hope to see Democrat John Kerry beat President George W. Bush in next month's election. Bush won backing from a majority of respondents only in Russia and Israel.

The polls were conducted in Canada, France, Britain, Spain, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Mexico, Israel and Russia, with results to be published in the participating newspapers Friday. Not all questions were asked in every country.

On average, 57 per cent of those questioned said their opinions of the United States had worsened over the last two to three years, compared with 20 per cent who said their view had improved. That question was asked in nine of the countries but not in Russia.

Seventy-four per cent of Japanese, 70 per cent of French, 64 per cent of Canadians and 60 per cent of Spaniards said they had a worse opinion of the United States now than two to three years ago.

Only in Israel and South Korea did more people say their view of the United States had improved than worsened in the last two to three years. Uh.....duh

In that period, which began just after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the United States has led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. While many countries backed the invasion to oust the Taliban, Bush's decision to invade Iraq has fuelled anger around the world.

However, many of those polled separated their feelings about the U.S. government from their views of the American people. Sixty-eight per cent said they had a favourable opinion of Americans.

Asked whether U.S. democracy is a model for other countries, 52 per cent of those asked said yes and 42 per cent said no.

In Britain, Mexico and South Korea, more people thought the United States is no longer a model, while in Canada, Russia, Japan and Israel, majorities said it is.

Fifty-nine per cent of people questioned in seven countries - including Britain, the closest U.S. ally in Iraq - said the war there is not helping the world fight against terrorism, while 35 per cent said it is, as Bush contends.

People in all 10 countries were asked who they hope to see win the White House on Nov. 2 and the result will make Kerry wish they had a vote.

The Democrat was favoured by healthy to enormous majorities in eight of the countries - 72 per cent supported him compared with 16 per cent for Bush in France.

http://www.canada.com/national/index.html

[This message has been edited by MontrealMike (edited 10-15-2004).]

quote Originally posted by MontrealMike: Only in Israel and South Korea did more people say their view of the United States had improved than worsened in the last two to three years. Uh.....duh

Mmmmm..........
Can you see it???

quote Originally posted by Butter: Mmmmm.......... Can you see it???

Oh yeah. A liberal once again shoots himself in the foot.

Uhmmmm 2 countries as back up out of ten......I wouldn't call that a shot in the foot....obviously Israel supports the US and North Korea definatly has a different opinion....I were more or less say I broke a nail =P

P.S I forgot about Germany ...so make that 2 out of 11 ( https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum6/HTML/026843.html )

[This message has been edited by MontrealMike (edited 10-15-2004).]

Aw, other countries don't like us. Boo-f**king-hoo.

quote Originally posted by MontrealMike: U.S. invasion of Iraq doesn't aid war on terror: world polls

Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. Opinions vary and the majority can be wrong in some cases.

Although I'm not a big fan of the Iraq war, what it does aid is the fact that with less psychopaths in power, the world in general is a safer place.

Can anyone tell me the world would be a safer place WITH Saddam in power?

quote Originally posted by fierobear: Aw, other countries don't like us. Boo-f**king-hoo.

LMAO. Sounds like a solid foreign policy.

But you are right. There will always be countries that don't like the way we do things.

If we polled the populace for every major decision, we'd probably have a very scary world. Thats why we live in a republic, not a direct democracy.

Forget about polls

Avoiding attacking suspected terrorist mastermind

Bush and this administration had three airtight chances to pull the trigger and take out Zarqawi before the Iraq war. The excuse, it would undermine the war against Saddam. Huh? What the... we go to war in Iraq, blow our chance to get Zarqawi and his group. We find Saddam in a hole and Zarqawi is still killing hundreds and hundreds of our troops, turning Iraqi's against us, and executing every hostage he can get.

[This message has been edited by Tigger (edited 10-15-2004).]

Great.. pulling "hindsight" knowledge.. (Original reason for not going after him was to avoid having him become a martyr and kicking off even more jihad/holy attacks)

Gee.. a liberal, pundint hiding in Canada, writing for the Canadian press, says we're big meanies.. I'm going to lose a lot of sleep over that one..

When Canada can actually enforce it's own fishing rights with it's Navy then maybe they can buy into "world" security issues.. Better yet.. when you have a seat on the UN Security Council.. then we can talk.. Till then you're not much more than a US protectorate hiding behind our skirts.

quote Originally posted by fierobear: Aw, other countries don't like us. Boo-f**king-hoo.

Goliath thought David was a candyass until reality struck him right between the eyes.

quote Originally posted by 84Bill: Goliath thought David was a candyass until reality struck him right between the eyes.

I'm not looking down on other countries, I just don't care that much what they think of us. They didn't like us that much before the war, so why sould I give a s**t what they think now?

Possibly if some terroist group slammed a few commercial airlines into the Montreal capital building killing all aboard and a three thousand civilians in those buildings you may think differently. We know that the French national flag is white, which may also be the color of Quebec's Provincial flag.

Many of the rabid terrorists are regrouping into Iraq, which is much better than having them regrouping in the USA, Canada or France.

If Kerry does get elected, those terrists can then spread their influence into Canada, who then will wring their hands in dispair.

quote Originally posted by ditch: What does aid is the fact that with less psychopaths in power, the world in general is a safer place. Can anyone tell me the world would be a safer place WITH Saddam in power?

I agree with you 100% but the psychopaths is BUSH, I feel the world is much more a dangerous place with BUSH in power that it EVER!! was with Saddam

[This message has been edited by MontrealMike (edited 10-15-2004).]

quote Originally posted by MontrealMike: haha What does that have to do with ANYTHING man your a joker.....get informed France and Quebec are 2 different places. Man your so mal informed that you don't even know who to hate....pretty sad

quote Originally posted by MontrealMike: I agree with you 100% but the psychopaths is BUSH, I feel the world is much more a dangerous place with BUSH in power that it EVER!! was with Saddam

How is it possible that the same person wrote these two posts back to back? Talk about not knowing who to hate! Sheessh! Seems that most people like this just hate everyone...

[This message has been edited by Songman (edited 10-15-2004).]

quote Originally posted by MontrealMike: haha What does that have to do with ANYTHING man your a joker.....get informed France and Quebec are 2 different places. Man your so mal informed that you don't even know who to hate....pretty sad

Nice way to duck the actual comment..
BTW we don't hate Canadians, pity that they are ruled by limo libs in quebec, sometimes annoyed (same as a small yapping dog might annoy you).. But don't hate. As a rule American's don't hate much of anybody, but we do get annoyed with those who's very existence is protected and defended by us stab us in the back every chance they can.

quote Originally posted by Uaana: Nice way to duck the actual comment.. BTW we don't hate Canadians, pity that they are ruled by limo libs in quebec, sometimes annoyed (same as a small yapping dog might annoy you).. But don't hate. As a rule American's don't hate much of anybody, but we do get annoyed with those who's very existence is protected and defended by us stab us in the back every chance they can.

Don't hate anybody....its quite obvious the states HATES France......that some of you will hate someone for just talking french...and if its a Quebec who speaks French (or in my case understands the language). You guys even changed the name of French Fries to freedom fries.....and the rest of the dumb name you guys used just because you were pissed at the FRANCE. Man I feel bad for those french people in Louisiana. I don't hate Amerians....most other country don't hate Americans...THEY HATE BUSH hes a MORON ....No one understands why you would re-elect a dumbass like him thats why. Anyways im in a bad mood so im more pissed that usual so ill keep quiet for a while. cya

[This message has been edited by MontrealMike (edited 10-15-2004).]

I won't be surprised if this wan't Karl Rove's idea. Pure genius!

The rest of the world doesn't understand Americans too well. This is SURE to solidify Bush's chances of re-election.

quote Originally posted by 84Bill: Goliath thought David was a candyass until reality struck him right between the eyes.

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.

Thump, Thump!

I speak French... do people hate me too? I just got back from France and found people to be very friendly. (It was the Italians that were jerks!) I don't have a problem with France. I love it over there. And I love French fries too... I don't like how the French government wants to cover their asses in Iraq and start all that drama at the UN and then all of a sudden think they need to make money off of the rebuilding... Luckily, now the world has proof of the reasons why France, Russia, et al wanted to stop us from going after Hussein.

BTW, I like Cajuns too.. Just don't see how they eat some of that stuff they eat..

One more word of advice... Don't watch so much television! The people of the world don't hate us as the world media would like you to think. Remember that TV crews only go to places that have some sort of drama going on that they can sell. We just got back recently from 5 European countries and I didn't see any America haters at all.. I think most of the haters are right here in this country... And as I said, most are just looking for something to hate, doesn't really matter what.

In closing I'd like to say.. Life is good!

quote Originally posted by Uaana: Great.. pulling "hindsight" knowledge.. (Original reason for not going after him was to avoid having him become a martyr and kicking off even more jihad/holy attacks)

Hindsight is 20/20? EVERY COUNTRY IN THE G8 was saying the same thing at the time and they just disagreed with how to control Saddam. I don't blame GW for grabbing the situation by the horns and doing the job. He was protecting his country, unlike the weenies in my government.

quote Originally posted by Uaana: Gee.. a liberal, pundint hiding in Canada, writing for the Canadian press, says we're big meanies.. I'm going to lose a lot of sleep over that one..

Right you are. Only it is a Liberal 'pundit'. Actually liberal/leftist press and a liberal government

quote Originally posted by Uaana: When Canada can actually enforce it's own fishing rights with it's Navy then maybe they can buy into "world" security issues.. Better yet.. when you have a seat on the UN Security Council.. then we can talk.. Till then you're not much more than a US protectorate hiding behind our skirts.

Right again. Canada had the second largest navy in the world 50 years ago. Today our ability to defend the continent is a poor joke. I am ashamed, not of our soldiers and sailors, but of a government that lets them eek out an existance with castaway equipment and poor wages and choses to hide under the coat tails of Uncle Sam.

If left to Canada, the terrorists would be in charge by now.

Arn

quote Originally posted by Songman: One more word of advice... Don't watch so much television! The people of the world don't hate us as the world media would like you to think. Remember that TV crews only go to places that have some sort of drama going on that they can sell. We just got back recently from 5 European countries and I didn't see any America haters at all.. I think most of the haters are right here in this country... And as I said, most are just looking for something to hate, doesn't really matter what. In closing I'd like to say.. Life is good!

That is good news !!!

I just wanna know one thing:

The Brits stuck with us in this war.

So why didn't we start calling french fries "chips" and call potato chips "crisps"?

Then again, "salisbury steak" didnt replace "hamburger" for long either.

I guess most Americans don't hold grudges well.

------------------
88 4cyl auto Fiero, AC, sunroof, tilt steering, rear swaybar
"And isn't sanity really just a one-trick pony anyway? I mean all you get is one trick, rational thinking, but when you're good and crazy, oooh, oooh, oooh, the sky is the limit!" - The Tick

quote Originally posted by fierobear: Aw, other countries don't like us. Boo-f**king-hoo.

And then you're shocked when 9/11 happens with attitude?

quote Originally posted by JohnnyK: And then you're shocked when 9/11 happens with attitude?

Got things in the wrong order there, Johnny... 9/11 caused the attitude, not the other way around.

quote Originally posted by Songman: Got things in the wrong order there, Johnny... 9/11 caused the attitude, not the other way around.

I beg to differ.

To put it blatently.. I have found that the only thing the Iraq war has done, is to provide a closer easier to access target for all the crazy Terrorists out there. To get rid of Sadam would have only taken a small special forces team.. But then again Im all for assasination of 'problem' figures. do it right, no one would have known who did it.. and the country would have figured things out itself. Dont tell me that Terrorists would have taken over.. Cause we all know that if the US pulls out, it it will become an Islamic State just like Iran, its just a matter of time.

The world view will very much affect even a country as large and powerfull as the US. With The EU becoming more and more powerfull, China becoming more influencial, it wont be long before the US is not the only world Superpower again, both ecomomy wise and militarily.

Small Allies like the majority of what made up the "Coalition of the willing" are not who you should be trying to win over. The US is going to have to make some serious decisions soon, which will include having to work with other countries and groups, and not go things alone.

As a whole I have personaly found that Americans themselves are very good people, they mearly have a limited understanding of what is really going on in the world. They need to start to get there news from more sources then American news agencies. The only way to really know is to read/listen/watch different sources, both American, and foreign, and try to with the best of your ability meld them together to get a good round picture.

quote Originally posted by CaddyRob: To put it blatently.. I have found that the only thing the Iraq war has done, is to provide a closer easier to access target for all the crazy Terrorists out there. To get rid of Sadam would have only taken a small special forces team.. But then again Im all for assasination of 'problem' figures. do it right, no one would have known who did it.. and the country would have figured things out itself. Dont tell me that Terrorists would have taken over.. Cause we all know that if the US pulls out, it it will become an Islamic State just like Iran, its just a matter of time. The world view will very much affect even a country as large and powerfull as the US. With The EU becoming more and more powerfull, China becoming more influencial, it wont be long before the US is not the only world Superpower again, both ecomomy wise and militarily. Small Allies like the majority of what made up the "Coalition of the willing" are not who you should be trying to win over. The US is going to have to make some serious decisions soon, which will include having to work with other countries and groups, and not go things alone. As a whole I have personaly found that Americans themselves are very good people, they mearly have a limited understanding of what is really going on in the world. They need to start to get there news from more sources then American news agencies. The only way to really know is to read/listen/watch different sources, both American, and foreign, and try to with the best of your ability meld them together to get a good round picture.

Good post

quote Originally posted by MontrealMike: Good post

By all means!.. Kiss the terrorists ass.. I'm sure they'll leave you alone.. At least until they figure out they can affect elections by blowing up your children.. Appeasement always works. Just ask you buddy Billy C.
B

quote Originally posted by Songman: Got things in the wrong order there, Johnny... 9/11 caused the attitude, not the other way around.

So let me ask this question. Do you honestly believe A SINGLE man living in a cave 1/2 a world away in afghanistan just decided to put together a plan that took several years and a crapload of money to attack America twice on it's own soil because he had nothing better to do? Oh no wait... you (and many others) say it's because he hates Americans.. OK fine, I'll buy that as a 1/2 assed reason.

Question 2

Did you EVER stop to question WHY he hates Americans so much? And don't lay that idiotic infidel excuse down, it's sounds so "US government standard issue."

Hey MontrealMike,

Next time you guys are having an election, why don't you send some guys down here and poll US citizens on who would be the best candidate and who we want to win. See how reliable we are.

Then poll us about who should win in:

Australia, Britain, Spain, Japan, Sought Korea, Mexico, Israel and Russia. See how reliable those polls are.

I'm glad I was able to clear that blatantly obvious one up for you about why we in the U.S. don't care about polls like that.

quote Originally posted by 84Bill: So let me ask this question. Do you honestly believe A SINGLE man living in a cave 1/2 a world away in afghanistan just decided to put together a plan that took several years and a crapload of money to attack America twice on it's own soil because he had nothing better to do? Oh no wait... you (and many others) say it's because he hates Americans.. OK fine, I'll buy that as a 1/2 assed reason. Question 2 Did you EVER stop to question WHY he hates Americans so much? And don't lay that idiotic infidel excuse down, it's sounds so "US government standard issue."

Until about 2 yrs ago he wasn't living in a cave and had unlimited access to millions. He did mastermind attacks on numerous attacks on US targets.. (would you prefer going back to random bombings??).. Yes, I'll buy he hate the US and everything we stand for. like your right to free speech without having your tounge cut out.

Yes, we're infadels, we don't live in mud huts, we allow our women to vote and think, we don't follow the Koran to the letter..

Why do you think if we just retreat behind our borders he and ohters like him will just leave us alone?

quote Originally posted by Uaana: Until about 2 yrs ago he wasn't living in a cave and had unlimited access to millions. He did mastermind attacks on numerous attacks on US targets.. (would you prefer going back to random bombings??).. Yes, I'll buy he hate the US and everything we stand for. like your right to free speech without having your tounge cut out. Yes, we're infadels, we don't live in mud huts, we allow our women to vote and think, we don't follow the Koran to the letter.. Why do you think if we just retreat behind our borders he and ohters like him will just leave us alone?

My question is.... why does he hate a country that SUPPOSEDLY has nothing to do with him or his way of life?

What creates a terrorist?
Did OBL just wake up one day, pick up the koran and suddenly feel the urge to kill Americans, all the while the VAST majority of Arabs who ALSO read the koan have no such ill will?

Just poof.... I hate Americans and that was it eh?

quote Originally posted by 84Bill: My question is.... why does he hate a country that SUPPOSEDLY has nothing to do with him or his way of life? What creates a terrorist? Did OBL just wake up one day, pick up the koran and suddenly feel the urge to kill Americans, all the while the VAST majority of Arabs who ALSO read the koan have no such ill will? Just poof.... I hate Americans and that was it eh?

Exactly.. I mean, if this sentiment only happened after 9/11, what caused 9/11 in the first place.. Wrong place, wrong time?

quote Originally posted by JohnnyK: And then you're shocked when 9/11 happens with attitude?

Let's just say I won't lose any sleep over it.

quote Originally posted by 84Bill: My question is.... why does he hate a country that SUPPOSEDLY has nothing to do with him or his way of life? What creates a terrorist? Did OBL just wake up one day, pick up the koran and suddenly feel the urge to kill Americans, all the while the VAST majority of Arabs who ALSO read the koan have no such ill will? Just poof.... I hate Americans and that was it eh?

You're trying to find rational reasons for the acts of irrational people. You said it yourself, the vast majority of people with his background don't act like him. That seems to indicate there is something wrong with him, not his enemies.

While you're at it, try to find a rational explanation for what the Jews, Gypsies and other non-Arians did "wrong" to incur the hatred of Hitler and the Nazi party.

quote Originally posted by frontal lobe: Hey MontrealMike, Next time you guys are having an election, why don't you send some guys down here and poll US citizens on who would be the best candidate and who we want to win. See how reliable we are. Then poll us about who should win in: Australia, Britain, Spain, Japan, Sought Korea, Mexico, Israel and Russia. See how reliable those polls are. I'm glad I was able to clear that blatantly obvious one up for you about why we in the U.S. don't care about polls like that.

Thats the dumbest idea ever.....MOST of you are not even informed who would be running (or don't care) and I am sure even right now MOST or MANY of you don't know who our prime minister even is. Here on the other side of the border most of us check at minimum the Canadian and American news stations.

haven't we been through this post before in a different form? and by the same author(Montreal Mike)a few months back?

this is what i learned so far:

-since the waters have been muddied in iraq, people think they are safer, but they're not, nor will they ever be. realizing this is a big step in evolution. however, in this situation, america does need to be there and i somewhat support it. (not that a canuck's poutine-eating opinion really matters, but hey....shut up and read anyway.)

-most of the other countries' occupants who say they hate americans or bush, would move to the US in a heart beat, given the opportunity to do so. many of these people are the same people that just finished watching farenheit 911......it reminds me of the townspeople in the simpsons who are so easily manipulated.

-many people hate bush yes, even half of his voters probably hate him.........but they hate him less than they hate kerry.......i don't know why, but that's just because i don't follow american politics.....on that note, i also don't follow michael moore's theatrical americans on ice musicals either.

- but the most important thing to note is that if you don't read for yourself, don't vote....a missing vote is better than an ignorant or conformist vote. nobody's opinion counts but the individual's.

I must admit though, these conversations are fun to read and follow when waiting for other significant events to happen...........like a moon landing, but for real this time...

quote Originally posted by DRH: You're trying to find rational reasons for the acts of irrational people. You said it yourself, the vast majority of people with his background don't act like him. That seems to indicate there is something wrong with him, not his enemies. While you're at it, try to find a rational explanation for what the Jews, Gypsies and other non-Arians did "wrong" to incur the hatred of Hitler and the Nazi party.

One of OBL's main complaints was the US governments CONSTANT involvement in places where it had no business.. OBL didn't just snap one day because he read the koran.. he snapped because he grew sick and tired of the US government..
So Ok... one guy causes a ruckus in the ME and the US has to enforce it's policy in TWO countries? Afghanistan & Iraq will never be the same again, both are "for" now a US territory.IE US tax payers pay for it's security yet are not obligated to pay the US anything (taxes) in return.

I love it when people say how proud they of the hard work, dedication and BILLIONS of well spent money went to the afghani people while they call an American citizen on welfare a bum and a leech. It's ok to give a non American citizen money

May the sun never set on the US flag... rahh rahhh... Funny you should mention nazi.. Take a look at American conquersts over the last 3 years.... Seems like an eerily similar theme. Care to sign a nonaggresion pact with Amerika? Saddam did.

quote Originally posted by fierobear: Let's just say I won't lose any sleep over it.

No, because you are the arrogance I speak of.