WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bill Delahunt called the rapid decline in public support toward the United States over the past six years an “astounding” and unprecedented development that threatens America’s influence around the world.

On Wednesday March 14, Andrew Kohut of the Pew Research Center testified before Delahunt’s Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee and provided results of its most recent surveys showing further evidence of a decline in public attitudes toward the United States. The Pew Center’s most recent surveys of five majority-Muslim countries whose governments have friendly relations with the United States (Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon) also showed a solid majority now fearing an American military attack.  

Delahunt stated “I view with profound unease the finding that 65% of the people of Turkey, our long-time NATO ally, believe that we are a military threat, and might invade them.”

Kohut stated that the United State’s worldwide approval ratings have “hit their lowest point since such polling began in 1980.”  He testified that there is now widespread suspicion of America’s advantage in military power and skepticism concerning the Bush administration’s goal of promoting democracy around the world. This skepticism is even among those who live in countries seen as traditional supporters, or allies of the United States.

From 2000 to 2006, United States approval in Germany dropped from 78% to 37%; in Spain, from 50% to 23%;  in France, from 62% to 39%;  in Turkey, from 52% to 12%.  In Great Britain, opinion dropped from 83% to 56%. 

In addition, the Pew Center also documented several other disturbing findings.  Majorities of those living in Russia, Germany, France, Pakistan, Turkey and Jordan, now believe America’s war on terrorism is not a sincere effort to reduce international terrorism, but is viewed as a way to control Mideast oil.  Surveys also show a majority of Europeans now supporting policies that promote greater independence from the United States.

Delahunt expressed concern that the growing anger toward the United States is not only weakening public support for its policies but is cultivating an atmosphere that condones terrorism toward Americans. Kohut noted a 2005 Pew poll found that many living in Muslim countries now believe terrorist attacks toward Americans and other Westerners in Iraq are justifiable.  Opinion polls in Iraq also show that 60% now approve of attacks on American troops, while an even greater number, 75% of Iraqis, would like us to leave.

Delahunt asked if concerted publicity about American disaster relief programs and other types of public diplomacy could reverse the low approval ratings. Kohut responded by stating that today’s opposition to U.S. military policy, and particularly the invasion and occupation of Iraq, is “intense and entrenched, and can’t be turned around quickly.  Public diplomacy can’t move the needle much – big events and policies made this problem, and the same are needed to address it.”

Kohut concluded his testimony by saying:  “The real issue is the restoration of trust.  The challenge is how to reverse the impact of images of Abu Grahib and Guantanamo that now shape the views of young people all around the world, as favorable depictions of America as a defender of freedom in the 20th century did then.”

The testimony before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight provided Members of Congress with the starkest findings yet in a series of hearings on foreign opinion on American policies, values, and people. 

Delahunt observed “today we received compelling testimony how the Bush Administration’s policies are heading our country in the wrong direction – they are dividing our allies and uniting our enemies.”

A hearing on public opinion among those living in Europe will be set for Thursday, March 22; among those in Africa will be on Wednesday, March 28. 

Kohut’s testimony can be found on the Subcommittee’s webpage by clicking here.

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