U.S. Image Improves

For the first time in years, people around the world may be starting to have a less negative view of the United States, possibly because America is about to change its leader. Although most people still say no when asked whether the U.S. has a positive influence in the world, the percentage holding that view has declined slightly.

BBC:

The World Service poll has been canvassing opinions about the influence of countries since 2005.

Of the 17 countries surveyed every year since 2005, positive views of the US have recovered for the first time this year to 32% after showing a steady decline over the previous three years.

Reacting to the poll results, senior US state department official Kurt Volker acknowledged perceptions had been negative in recent years, but said 2003 and 2004 had been an “anomaly” because of the Iraq war.

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