Page 40 - Mass Media, Mass Propoganda Examining American News in the War on Terror

30 Chapter I

Figure 1.2

Ulterior Motives in the "War on

Source: Susan Sachs, "Poll Finds Hostility Hardening Toward U.S. Poli-
cies," New York Times, 17 March 2004,3(A).

In general, much of the international community has become less and less
trusting of the United States, viewing its "War on Terror" as a means of consoli-
dating American power under the pretext of noble and humanitarian interven-
tion. Positive views of the United States have plummeted in recent years in light
of the cavalier foreign policy initiatives of the Bush administration. The issue of
Iraq has been the major determining factor in regards to the Arab World. As one
2005 Zogby poll shows, sympathy with the United States amongst the citizens of
Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Jordan has
fallen to near record lows, as between 65 and 90 percent of the public reported
unfavorable views of the U.S., depending on the specific country in question?'
A similar pattern is recognized in Europe and Asia, as confidence levels in the
Bush administration have ranged between only 8 and 30 percent in France,
Germany, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, and ~ndonesia?~