World fears new Bush era

From the London Guardian courtesy of J. Orlin Grabbe:

A poll of 21 countries published yesterday - reflecting opinion in Africa, Latin America, North America, Asia and Europe - showed that a clear majority have grave fears about the next four years.

Fifty-eight per cent of the 22,000 who took part in the poll, commissioned by the BBC World Service, said they expected Mr Bush to have a negative impact on peace and security, compared with only 26% who considered him a positive force.

The survey also indicated for the first time that dislike of Mr Bush is translating into a dislike of Americans in general.

And

"Our research makes very clear that the re-election of President Bush has further isolated America from the world," he said. "It also supports the view of some Americans that unless his administration changes its approach to world affairs in its second term, it will continue to erode America's good name, and hence its ability to effectively influence world affairs."

Click here for the rest.

Fortunately, I've not yet had to deal with angry foreigners. However, if such a thing ever happens, I'll know who to blame. This is really no joking matter. As the dollar erodes and US economic influence becomes a thing of the past, what will be left is diplomatic influence and military intervention. I think that our current adventure in Iraq makes clear that armed intervention can only get a nation so far before the money and men start to run out. That leaves us with diplomacy only. By then, however, Bush will have left office, and somebody else will be left holding the bag. One wonders what the next President, Republican or Democrat, will be able to do in order to repair the damage.

Putting Bush in prison would be a good start...

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