U.S. image plunges in global survey

By Andy Sullivan

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States' image is plummeting in many corners of the globe, but China and other large powers are falling from favor as well, according to a global survey released on Wednesday.

The 47-country survey also found global warming and other environmental problems are seen as the top threat in many places, ahead of nuclear proliferation, AIDS and other dangers.

The Pew Global Attitudes Project has documented wide anti-American sentiment since it was launched in 2002 but found those attitudes deepening this year.

The United States' favorable ratings declined in 26 of the 33 countries for which a comparison was available, with negative views particularly strong in the Middle East.

Only 9 percent of those surveyed in Turkey had a favorable view of the United States, while 13 percent did in the Palestinian territories. The United States fared better in Lebanon, where 47 percent responded positively.

Public sentiment also fell among long-standing U.S. allies, where many said the United States did not take the interests of other countries into account.

Just 30 percent of Germans had a favorable image of the United States, down from 42 percent two years ago. Public opinion remained positive, although narrowly so, in the United Kingdom and Canada.

Overall, majorities in 25 of the 47 countries reported favorable images of the United States.  Continued...