[Mb-civic] Spreading democracy not the business of US - poll

[ean at sbcglobal.net]

The Irish Times, Wed, Feb 23, 05  
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/world/2005/0223/3992350094FR23PO
LL.html

Spreading democracy not the business of US - poll

By Conor O'Clery in New York

US: As President Bush appeals to European leaders to join him in
promoting democracy around the world, most people in the United States 
and
major European countries agree on one thing - this should not be the
business of the United States, writes Conor O'Clery in New York

An AP-Ipsos poll yesterday reveals a high degree of domestic and foreign
scepticism about Mr Bush's actions and motives. The poll found a majority
in the US, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain said it should not be
the US role to spread democracy.

Most people in other countries surveyed shared the same opinion by large
margins.

During his trip to Europe Mr Bush has urged allies to support his
campaign for democracy in such countries as Iran and Syria. "Spreading
liberty for the sake of peace is the cause of all mankind," he declared in
Brussels.

However, in France 84 per cent said this should not be the business of
America, and 80 per cent in Germany felt the same way. In Britain 66 per
cent were opposed to the export of democracy by Washington, and in the 
US
itself a slight majority of 53 per cent said the US should not be trying
to spread democracy, the same percentage as in Italy.

Only 45 per cent of Americans agreed with the President's goals. The
margin in Canada against the US campaign was three to one against and in
South Korea and Spain two to one against.

The sense of world disapproval is felt keenly by Americans, according to a
separate Gallup poll. Only a third believe that world leaders respect
their President, compared to three-quarters at the start of Mr Bush's
first term. The poll also showed that most Americans (51 per cent) believe
the world in general has an unfavourable view of their country.

© The Irish Times  

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