Languish.org

Heard this yesterday on All Things Considered.  I think their pundits almost broke free of their NPR-drone while delivering this story and very nearly expressed emotion.

Regardless I was wondering how the glorious nation of Languideshistan viewed the US now. 

From the Pew Research Center:

http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1289/global-attitudes-survey-2009-obama-lifts-america-image (http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1289/global-attitudes-survey-2009-obama-lifts-america-image)

QuoteConfidence in Obama Lifts U.S. Image Around the World
Most Muslim Publics Not So Easily Moved
July 23, 2009

Overview
The image of the United States has improved markedly in most parts of the world, reflecting global confidence in Barack Obama. In many countries opinions of the United States are now about as positive as they were at the beginning of the decade before George W. Bush took office. Improvements in the U.S. image have been most pronounced in Western Europe, where favorable ratings for both the nation and the American people have soared. But opinions of America have also become more positive in key countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia, as well.

Signs of improvement in views of America are seen even in some predominantly Muslim countries that held overwhelmingly negative views of the United States in the Bush years. The most notable increase occurred in Indonesia, where people are well aware of Obama's family ties to the country and where favorable ratings of the U.S. nearly doubled this year.

However for the most part, opinions of the U.S. among Muslims in the Middle East remain largely unfavorable, despite some positive movement in the numbers in Jordan and Egypt. Animosity toward the U.S., however, continues to run deep and unabated in Turkey, the Palestinian territories and Pakistan.

Israel stands out in the poll as the only public among the 25 surveyed where the current U.S. rating is lower than in past surveys. 1

In contrast, in Germany favorable opinion of the U.S. jumped from 31% in 2008 to 64% in the current survey.

Large boosts in U.S. favorability ratings since last year are also recorded in Britain, Spain and France. In its own hemisphere, America's image rose markedly in Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. Improvements in U.S. ratings are less evident in countries where the country's image had not declined consistently during the Bush years, including Poland, Japan and South Korea. Opinions of the U.S. remain very positive in the African nations of Kenya and Nigeria, while increasing significantly in India and China.

The new survey by the Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project, conducted May 18 to June 16, finds that confidence in Barack Obama's foreign policy judgments stands behind a resurgent U.S. image in many countries. Belief that Obama will "do the right thing in world affairs" is now nearly universal in Western countries, where lack of confidence in President Bush had been almost as prevalent for much of his time in office. In France and Germany, no fewer than nine-in-ten express confidence in the new American president, exceeding the ratings achieved by Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel in their own countries.

In Asia, optimism about Obama is almost as extensive with 85% of Japanese and 81% of South Koreans expressing confidence in the American president, and only somewhat lower percentages expressing that view in India (77%) and China (64%). In Brazil, 76% have confidence in Obama, as do most Argentines (61%), despite their generally skeptical view of the U.S. as expressed in this and earlier surveys.

Even in some countries where the U.S. remains unpopular, significant percentages nonetheless say that they think Obama will do the right thing in international affairs. In Egypt and Jordan, sizable numbers have confidence in him -- 42% and 31% respectively. This represents a three-fold increase compared with opinions about President Bush in 2008. But in Pakistan and the Palestinian territories, ratings of Obama are only marginally better than the abysmal ratings accorded Bush. Again, Israel stands alone as the only country where Obama does not engender more confidence than did President Bush. And only about one-in-three Russians (37%) voice confidence in the new president, although this is still a considerably better rating than Bush received in 2008 (22%).

In most countries where opinions of the U.S. have improved, many say that Obama's election led them to have a more favorable view of the U.S. This admission is most apparent in Western Europe, Canada and Japan. In Indonesia, where opinion of America improved dramatically, no fewer than 73% say that his election bettered their opinion of the U.S. However even in countries where there was little or no upswing in the U.S.'s ratings, many people say that Obama's election has led them to think more favorably of the U.S. For example in Egypt and Turkey, where America's favorable ratings remain very low, as many as 38% in both countries say they have better opinions of the U.S. because of Obama. However, fewer than one-in-ten (9%) in Pakistan express that view.

More generally, analysis of the survey finds that views of the U.S. are being driven much more by personal confidence in Obama than by opinions about his specific policies. That is, opinions about Obama personally are more associated with views of the U.S. than are judgments of his policies that were tested in the poll.

There's a great deal more at the link, including graphs, national reactions to the Cairo speech and how Obama stacks up against Osama. 

Fuck the goddamn world.

There's been almost no change in US foreign policy since Obama took office. :mellow:

The only thing I can think of is a mild thaw in US-Cuban relations (we lifted some family travel ban thingy).

Quote from: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 03:19:18 PM
There's been almost no change in US foreign policy since Obama took office. :mellow:

Well yes we did not cut and run in Iraq and Afghanistan...but anybody with a brain knew that.  Besides that what exactly are you thinking of?

Quote from: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 03:19:18 PM
There's been almost no change in US foreign policy since Obama took office. :mellow:

The article says that the boost comes from personal confidence in Obama himself rather than any of his policies.

Why do I need to think of anything to prove that nothing has changed?  Shouldn't someone who asserts that something has changed have to prove that something has changed?

Quote from: Savonarola on July 24, 2009, 03:25:37 PM
The article says that the boost comes from personal confidence in Obama himself rather than any of his policies.

Since it seems to me that all that matters with the Presidency now is style, not substance, I think we ought to just do away with it and set up a constitutional monarchy.  :cool:

Quote from: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 03:26:27 PM
Why do I need to think of anything to prove that nothing has changed?  Shouldn't someone who asserts that something has changed have to prove that something has changed?

Because I heard an interesting breakdown of what Obama/Hillary (Obillary?) have done in Pakistan and the other Muslims countries and how it was different and how the Muslim governments were reacting.  Generally they were lukewarm but they seemed to have pretty ridiculous standards of success (Obama has not solved the Israel/Palestine conflict yet!  Booo!) on a report on the radio driving to work earlier this week and the impression I got was that there were, indeed, some new things being done despite the overall goals being generally the same.

I have not been reading a whole lot about foreign policies I was just wondering what you had heard and read that made you think everything was the same.  You stated that like it was a fact and it contradicted what I had been hearing so I wanted to know where you got that impression.

It was not 'OMG PROVE IT' or whatever.

Quote from: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 03:27:26 PM
Since it seems to me that all that matters with the Presidency now is style, not substance, I think we ought to just do away with it and set up a constitutional monarchy.  :cool:

Style has always played a huge role in the Presidency.  George Washington sure had it.

Quote from: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 03:26:27 PM
Why do I need to think of anything to prove that nothing has changed?  Shouldn't someone who asserts that something has changed have to prove that something has changed?

Attitude has changed.  Considering your profession you should be aware that "anything can be said, it's the manner in which you say it that counts".  The same applies here.  Naked power can only bring you so far before even your friends start turning on you.  Obama understands this while the arrogant Cheney administration didn't.




G.

I certainly have less respect for the American people.

Quote from: Grallon on July 24, 2009, 03:35:42 PM
Obama understands this while the arrogant Cheney administration didn't.

Well we will see in the long run.

I think this pretty much proves what I've been saying for the last several years about the roots of anti-Americanism having almost nothing to do with actual policy.

Quote from: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 03:19:18 PM
There's been almost no change in US foreign policy since Obama took office. :mellow:

The only thing I can think of is a mild thaw in US-Cuban relations (we lifted some family travel ban thingy).

There has been absolutely no change in the rest of the world's foreign policy towards the US.

Scratch that, Russia, Norks, and Iran have grown even more hostile, even while Obama prostrates himself before them, while Chavez seems to like Obama sucking his cock and supporting him in installing a dictator in Honduras.

Quote from: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 03:19:18 PM
The only thing I can think of is a mild thaw in US-Cuban relations (we lifted some family travel ban thingy).

Funny thing is the US is still just as vilified in Cuba as it was under the previous administration.  So it's only one-sided, what little thaw there is.

"No Change" - but then again I'm an Atlantophile.

One of the interesting things nuggled away in that report is support for a free market, which is as high in the Middle East as in Western Europe.  I believe that the Palestinian Territories has the highest level of support.

More favorably. Mildly so, but then again I knew more about America than most people... and my own opinion was always more positive than the average over here.

Quote
There's been almost no change in US foreign policy since Obama took office.

IMHO In Spain at least people didn't expect a radical change in US foreign policy, and understood Obama's hands were tied in many aspects. Their opinion has improved because

1. The presidential election. Primaries have a lot of problems, but they mean citizens did something more than choosing between McCain and Obama. This is becoming a serious problem over here, with our almost bipartidist system but rigid, too powerful and opaque party bureaucracies. We are becoming fed up with smoke-filled back rooms.

2. Quite simply, Obama being elected. Most didn't think he would succeed (or did think he would be murdered by some nut) and in addition most at leat wonder if an 'Spanish Obama' is even remotely possible, if the son of a Kenyan, Moroccan, Chinese or Bolivian inmigrant would have got the same opportunities here.

3. Obama trying to reform the health system. Fairly or unfairly, the average citizen this side of the Atlantic can't understand how and why a country so rich doesn't have universal health care, and the more he hears about the situation, the more puzzled he is.

No significant change for me. I am very set in my ways. The Swedish masses probably pluslike Obama.

Not to go Captain Obvious on y'all but I am pretty sure it has more to do with the guy who is no longer President than anything to actually do with Obama.

The rest of the world hated W., anyone we elected would have "lift(ed) US Image Around the World"

...

Quote from: Alatriste on July 25, 2009, 02:54:57 AM
More favorably. Mildly so, but then again I knew more about America than most people... and my own opinion was always more positive than the average over here.

Jesus Christ, you people must be about ready to declare war on us.

Quote from: MadImmortalMan on July 25, 2009, 04:42:31 PM

Quote from: Alatriste on July 25, 2009, 02:54:57 AM
More favorably. Mildly so, but then again I knew more about America than most people... and my own opinion was always more positive than the average over here.

Jesus Christ, you people must be about ready to declare war on us.

They are.

There is just the little fact that they don't have an army to fight us.

Quote from: Siege on July 26, 2009, 10:10:06 PM

Quote from: MadImmortalMan on July 25, 2009, 04:42:31 PM

Quote from: Alatriste on July 25, 2009, 02:54:57 AM
More favorably. Mildly so, but then again I knew more about America than most people... and my own opinion was always more positive than the average over here.

Jesus Christ, you people must be about ready to declare war on us.

They are.

There is just the little fact that they don't have an army to fight us.

You're not part of that 'us'.  You're the enemy, Mr. Israel.

Quote from: Neil on July 26, 2009, 10:19:26 PM
You're not part of that 'us'.  You're the enemy, Mr. Israel.

How about leaving it to those who are to exclude him, Mr. God Save the Queen?

Scratch that, I'm perfectly happy bursting Mormon bubbles and this situation is kind of the same thing.

Quote from: Peter Wiggin on July 26, 2009, 10:31:33 PM

Quote from: Neil on July 26, 2009, 10:19:26 PM
You're not part of that 'us'.  You're the enemy, Mr. Israel.

How about leaving it to those who are to exclude him, Mr. God Save the Queen?

Scratch that, I'm perfectly happy bursting Mormon bubbles and this situation is kind of the same thing.

I'm the judge around here.  Not a one of you is qualified.

Quote from: MadImmortalMan on July 25, 2009, 04:42:31 PM

Quote from: Alatriste on July 25, 2009, 02:54:57 AM
More favorably. Mildly so, but then again I knew more about America than most people... and my own opinion was always more positive than the average over here.

Jesus Christ, you people must be about ready to declare war on us.

Oh, come on, let's get serious for a moment, if such a thing is possible on Languish. I defy you to quote just one example of a post by me that deserves such a commentary (or Siegy's but then again Siegy is Siegy and we are brothers, he and I; I won't ever say anything bad about a man that put his bottom in harm's way and loves fried steaks with onions, garlic and olive oil... well, except if the man happens to be Mussolini!)

Quote from: Alatriste on July 27, 2009, 02:41:30 AM
but then again Siegy is Siegy and we are brothers, he and I;

Yup, you're both practically black.  Or close enough.
All we need is Black Dragon and then we can demonstrate the destructive power of this FULLY ARMED and OPERATIONAL swarthy thread.

Quote from: Berkut on July 24, 2009, 03:46:14 PM
I think this pretty much proves what I've been saying for the last several years about the roots of anti-Americanism having almost nothing to do with actual policy.

I thought your view was that anti-Americanism had very little to do with the Bush administration and was actually deeply ingrained.  Maybe someone else, Yi?

Quote from: CountDeMoney on July 27, 2009, 04:22:21 AM

Quote from: Alatriste on July 27, 2009, 02:41:30 AM
but then again Siegy is Siegy and we are brothers, he and I;

Yup, you're both practically black.  Or close enough.
All we need is Black Dragon and then we can demonstrate the destructive power of this FULLY ARMED and OPERATIONAL swarthy thread.

Darn right, bro', as black as Cleopatra and Hannibal!!! :D

Quote from: Sheilbh on July 27, 2009, 06:09:54 AM
I thought your view was that anti-Americanism had very little to do with the Bush administration and was actually deeply ingrained.  Maybe someone else, Yi?

Doesn't sound like me.

Quote from: Savonarola on July 24, 2009, 03:25:37 PM

Quote from: Caliga on July 24, 2009, 03:19:18 PM
There's been almost no change in US foreign policy since Obama took office. :mellow:

The article says that the boost comes from personal confidence in Obama himself rather than any of his policies.

The Maltese and Vietnamese merchants on my street love the guy. I suspect the Jamaicans and Croats do as well.

Quote from: Valmy on July 24, 2009, 03:32:22 PM
Style has always played a huge role in the Presidency.  George Washington sure had it.

I'm still angry with him for not allowing himself to be crowned King.  :mad:

Quote from: Caliga on July 27, 2009, 07:01:34 AM

Quote from: Valmy on July 24, 2009, 03:32:22 PM
Style has always played a huge role in the Presidency.  George Washington sure had it.

I'm still angry with him for not allowing himself to be crowned King.  :mad:

"A light will shine down..."     ;)

Quote from: Caliga on July 27, 2009, 07:01:34 AM
I'm still angry with him for not allowing himself to be crowned King.  :mad:

I keep hearing how he could have been crowned king if he had wanted but I frankly do not buy it.  He probably could have become president for life or something similar but Washington becoming King of America would be roughly equivalent to Publius Valerius Publicola declaring himself King of Rome, the public simply was not going to have another King in the 1780s.