"What the data reveal and the authors illuminate may surprise you:

- Muslims and Americans are equally likely to reject attacks on civilians as morally unjustifiable.
- Large majorities of Muslims would guarantee free speech if it were up to them to write a new constitution AND they say religious leaders should have no direct role in drafting that constitution.
- Muslims around the world say that what they LEAST admire about the West is its perceived moral decay and breakdown of traditional values -- the same answers that Americans themselves give when asked this question.
- When asked about their dreams for the future, Muslims say they want better jobs and security, not conflict and violence.
- Muslims say the most important thing Westerners can do to improve relations with their societies is to change their negative views toward Muslims and respect Islam.
"
... http://www.gallup.com/press/104206/WHO-SPEAKS-ISLAM.aspx.

Sam, London, UK

This article says it all. It says anti-American feelings are soaring among muslims world wide. It does not surprise me. These people have hated western society for decades. They are a very serious threat. They need to be interned as the Japanese were in WW2 for the security of the USA. It worked then and it will work again. To do otherwise will invite mass terroristic acts such as 911 or worse. These people are not our friends. They are the enemy within and growing. Internment and deportation is the answer.

Nick, Dover, NJ

Just to let you who do not know a very simple fact about Islam: The majority of Muslims are not Arabs at all (such as: Africans, Indonesians [200 million Indonesians], Central Asians [Such as Afghanis/Pakistanis], Iranians [they are Persians, not Arabs], and other Asian Muslims.

Muslim, Bandung, Indonesia

Aside from the fact that the fast majority of the muslims today are arabs,and the fast majority of those have little or no education and are easily dominated or controlled by the few wealthy and educated arab leaders,is no surprise to most in the western world that those few do feel threatened by the power and knowledge of the west and would like nothing more to see us and the rest of the western world implode on itself.The arab world,though swimming in oil and not much else,needs the west for it's technology and expertise in the modern world today because they are still a 1000 years in the past and really don't want to catch up as long as they feel they can use us instead of them having to use their own brains for once in order to achive some sort of sucess in their life time.

Tony Deleano, Fountain Hills, USA,AZ

This "Have your say" column has become impossible to follow - comments seem to dissappear and we are left with a handful of the latest. Sorry but it's not encouraging to return to the debate in its present form.

Ann Johnson, Brussels, Belgium

I am responding to Vita from Belguim's comments. No, my comment is laughably (and ironically) TRUE. I worked many years in the social services in Minneapolis. In this town, there are so many programs (many are aimed specificaly for new immigrants) it is a major industry.
Social services like healthcare are NOT free. Western Europe may seem like a workers paradise, but to pay for these "superior" services, someone pays. Productivity is lost when workers carry a heavy tax burden.
In the USA, many new immigrants OWN their own home, purchase property, open businesses, purchase a new automobile, open credit accounts, worship the god of their choice, etc, etc.
Yes! America does have a lot of problems. What country does not? If America is as bad as Vita describes, why do immigants come here in such large numbers? I believe many muslims do hate America, but if asked what country they would like to immigrate to, Amercia tops the list everytime. How's that for irony.

Bruce, Minneapolis,

I love you people with the oil argument. IF the U.S. just went to war for the oil, they could just go in and take it . . . and do likewise in other oil rich regions as well. If they just wanted the oil, they'd have acted as Hitler did and just go take it (by threat & force). That obviously is NOT the case. The U.S. doesn't even get Iraqi oil at a discount, and Iraq is not contributing to the costs of liberating and protecting them. Although Bush's strategy & tactics are questionable (at best), his goal of creating a stable democracy in the region would give hope & stability to the people in a region that desperatey is in need of both.
Anyone who studies WWII history - and in particular the attitudes of Britian & France leading up to the war - would see the same appeasment coming out of W. Europe.
Voices in the wilderness (Churchill and Reynaud) would see the parallel with their thoughts and that of Bush Admin.

BobS, Paris, France

Can you ever imagine an article on anti-semitism starting with the line "the prevalence of Jews in Hollywood has radicalized skinheads everywhere as the influence of movies spreads..." I hope not.

The intellectual error of this article is that it suggests that the campaign against terrorism that has "radicalized" muslims. It is not - it is islamic extremism that has done so, and the efforts to combat terrorism are its excuse.

Nick, Seattle, USA

why don't they post the questions so we can see if the questions asked were really lelevant to the question answered in the article.... pollsters know how to ask the right question to the response they want ..... awaiting for them to post the questions so I can see for myself ........

MitchBupp, Henry, USA

"'evil'...interesting term for a country claiming to have seperated [sic] Church from State" [Scott M, London] -- The word 'evil' isn't an exclusively religious term. It's often found in the writings of sceptics (e.g., Robert Ingersoll, "there is far more good than evil in the average human being" -- I try to believe that :-). Here's another one from Bertrand Russell, "To defy with Promethean constancy a hostile universe, to keep its evil always in view...."

"more accurately coined by someone with a little more intelligence, Bush's War Of Terror" -- Despite US atrocities, this is one of the least terrible wars ever fought--except by the enemy. Though I accept with pride the title American "apologetic" [sic -- apologist?], I feel little need to explain why after 9/11 the United States directed its response toward the Middle East and its environs. That should be obvious. As for oil, there was no more oil in the Middle East the day after 9/11 than there was the day before.

Jean Carent, Columbia, USA

The fundamental problem with the war on terror - and with communism, western liberalism, and all political and religious proselytism - is that we have no agreement on how far one should be allowed to go to spread one's views, political systems or philosophies. Some belief systems tolerate all methods (including terror, war and murder) but naturally resist these methods used against themselves. Some see religion and philosophy as personal: others as communal, so that apostasy is a crime, not only a sin. Islam is at the moment an obvious culprit, but it is only a few hundred years since Christianity was. Specifically, in the modern world, one can see how the aggressive spread of western individualism & democracy must appear a mortal threat to those who prefer an authoritarian culture. Until the human race can reach broad agreement on the rules of the game for conversion and cultural competition, there can be no hope for us - and international law will continue to be an empty phrase.

Michael Bruce, Selby, U.K.

Scott, how is what you wrote in any way a response to Jean Carent? She did not defend any US foreign intervention. All she said was that American's more open employment policy was better for immigrants.

I also wonder how you know what "generation upon generation" will think. Basically everyone looks fondly or at least ambivalently on Germany and Japan now, and I think what they did was a touch more hostile than Bush, don't you?

Matt, New York,

I love you people with the oil argument. IF the U.S. just went to war for the oil, they could just go in and take it . . . and do likewise in other oil rich regions as well. If they just wanted the oil, they'd have acted as Hitler did and just go take it (by threat & force). That obviously is NOT the case. The U.S. doesn't even get Iraqi oil at a discount, and Iraq is not contributing to the costs of liberating and protecting them. Although Bush's strategy & tactics are questionable (at best), his goal of creating a stable democracy in the region would give hope & stability to the people in a region that desperatey is in need of both.
Anyone who studies WWII history - and in particular the attitudes of Britian & France leading up to the war - would see the same appeasment coming out of W. Europe.
Voices in the wilderness (Churchill and Reynaud) would see the parallel with their thoughts and that of Bush Admin.

BobS, Paris, France

Muslims are not against the Americans, they are against the policies of American administration directly affecting them. Policies which lead to the Iraq invasion on basesless grounds such as WMD then Qaeda links, then free Iraq as if the Administration is a custodian of chrity house!! why didn't the administration invade Burma, or China,or ..the list is endless. Iraq was singled out becasue of.... OIL.. the others don't have it.
As for the issue Zioninst entity in Palistine, would any one of your respectable readers advise about his/her reaction if you were sick and resting in your own home, the one you and your ancesstors have lived in for hundreds of years a group of people attacked you and claiming that this is their house 2000 years ago, wouldn't the readers stand up for themselves and fight back? or is it considered as TERRORISM? I guess the Americans did the same thing against the British although we were talking about tens of years on both sides of this case.

Ahmad, Dubai, UAE

The United States was built primarily by immigration and has historically offered great opportunities for immigrants. It still does, and the many millions who come here testify to that. Though on the whole Europe offers more social services, the cost of that is usually a leveling, with less opportunity for the individual to excel. It's in the interest of a country to receive immigrants who wish to work and get ahead, not come to receive government aid.

Though I don't assume that the blame should be put on the European countries themselves, the weeks of rioting among Muslim immigrants in France didn't seem to indicate much satisfaction. Also other European countries seem to have had much more trouble with dissatisfied Muslim immigrants or second-generation citizens than the United States has. (Europe has more Muslim immigrants, but the US too has millions of them.) I repeat that I don't necessarily put the blame on governmental policy but something is going awry.

Jean Carent, Columbia, USA

In response to Jean Carent and any other 'American' apologetic: if the Bush administration were actually concerned with ousting 'evil regimes' as they claim Iraq and Afghanistan to have been prior to their 'visit', then what was the reason for going to those particular countries before ousting the political powers in North Korea, Burma, Mozambique, and even China as it has claimed these countries to also be 'evil' (an interesting term for a country claiming to have seperated Church from State). Was it the need for oil? Some believe so. In any case, the product of Bush's War On Terror (or, as more accurately coined by someone with a little more intelligence, Bush's War Of Terror) is generation upon generation of people from every nation that will look upon the USA with hatred.
If the Bush administration had, in their response to 911, reached out to the world (especially the Islamic world) in peace and attempt to repair relations between each other, then the world would now be a much safer place.

Scott M, London, UK

It all comes down to oil.

An individual from Syria posted on here that he wishes American would stop following a Zionist and energy resource agenda in the Middle East.

Well, I wish the Chinese and Russians would do the same thing in respects to the Middle East and how they favor countries like Iran.

The entire reason that part of the world gets so much attention is that the United States, Chinese, and Russians are all obsessed with the petroleum. European nations get involved to give the appearance of doing something important.

The situation exists as it does due to greed and a desire to damage other nations. I do not believe most American people have a desire to participate in the affairs of the Middle East, but most American people don't understand how world economics work and how the U.S., Russians, and Chinese all use the Middle East to fight proxy wars in an attempt to make more money.

Matt, Kansas City, Missouri

In response to Bruce from Minneapolis' comments- specifically "No other country on the face of the earth or in the history of the human race is more welcoming to immigants than America." - this is completely, utterly, laughably untrue, as anyone who has ever lived in Western Europe will tell you. Europe offers immgrants everything the USA does, with the added benefits of vastly superior social security (and free healthcare), labour laws that are much more favourable to the worker and civil liberties unavailable in the USA (like the ability of a hapless foreigner to cross the road where he wishes, without being physically attacked by a policeman or the ability of a 15year old virginal schoolgirl to enter the country to live with her parents without being subjected to a mandatory internal gynaecological examination in the interets of protecting the health of America; people can marry without the state demmanding a blood test; immigrants can enter without being fingerprinted)....

Vita Jones, Brussels, Belgium

Those who seek to promote hatred toward the United States don't like to be reminded of the US role in helping protect Western Europe from Nazism and Stalinism (not alone, course, but as the most powerful country that opposed both). Too bad. That's an important part of history. Of course the USSR played a major role in defeating Nazism -- but then went on to impose a dictatorship of its own on the countries it occupied. Don't you think that's a rather important distinction? Contrast that with the post-war treatment of West Germany and Japan, and the resulting freedom and prosperity. That's exactly what the US is trying to do in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Jean Carent, Columbia, USA

I can only see one US comment. Have they been censured?

P S Simon, London, UK

I would like to thank Bill Mcintosh of Miami dade , Fl for a wonderful example of an "enlightened" responses to a serious question. unfortunately somewhat symptomatic of responses one increasingly sees and hears, following the brainwash of the Bush Administration.

I am sure his proposed course of action will make the world a safer place for all Gods children

Ramli Mohamed, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Islam is the problem in the world and islam is the answer.

If Islam is a peaceful religion , why is ther so much violence, murder, mayhem, intolerance and instability in Moslem countries?

Why do Moslems buthcer each-other? It's surely not the fault of or because of Israel or the USA.

Islam must clean house or suffer the consequences.

Lance Silver, Philadelphia, Pa

These people need Yahshua, a relationship with the Messiah. Anybody who thinks Islam is a religion of peace has done no research on it. Religion is a man made institute inspired by ' Cosmos Diabolocous' or Satans system of thought. Islam and any other religion is man trying to earn a place with God, but all men sin and have sinned so it is impossible. True Chrisianity is NOT a religion it is a personal relationship with YHWH ( or YahWeh). You dont earn it, you dont deserve it. It is given by the grace of God. No man can earn heaven the BARRIER between us and The God is totally insermountable through human works. Man is supremely arrogant that thinks he is a god unto himself. The Christos (Jesus) has done all the work ;and weak, foulable, evil man can add nothing to a perfect work the Son of the Most HIGH had done. Humans need to wake up.

mcele, pittsburgh, USA

Muslims becoming more radicalized, so what. That's there problem. The world will continue to forge ahead while the Muslims remain angry because many don't have the sense to thing on their own. They are upset that America is fighting back against these killers. The Muslims should be angry at those who are turning their religion into one that is sometimes viewed as intolerant. In light of all this, what the Muslims think about America, does not matter one bit to Americans. All we want is for thew kill;ers to stay out of our country, leave us alone, and we will leave them alone.

Reed, Phoenix, Ariozna

Why does the correspondent use the wording "79 per cent (Muslims) had an 'unfavourable view' of the US" and later in the article say "another recent survey in the US found that 39 per cent of Americans felt some prejudice towards Muslims"?

When someone in the United States disapproves of others it's "prejudice" yet when some other group, especially Muslims, exercises the same attitudes it's called "unfavorable view"?

Again, it sounds like the United States is the bad guy once again. Since we're a superpower we apparently need to be cut down to size.

Jon, Chicago, IL

The survey should distinguish Anti Americanism to Anti- Bush.

Most Muslims are anti-Bush administration. They despise the gangsters Bush, Rumsfeld, Rice, Wolfowitz, Pearle and Cheney.

However most Muslims, deep down, have an affection for American culture, freedom, liberty and the American people.

We wish the Americans would stop following a Zionist and energy resource agenda in the Middle East.

Allah bless the Amercian people.

Mohammad, Syria,

Strong Anti-American sentiments...why are all these America haters here and not in their home countries then.

james cameron, brooklyn, NY

I am amazed why muslims continue to immigrate to the USA. If Amercia is so bad, why do they come here in record numbers? The answer is that America offers them more freedom, prosperity, human rights, dignity, and a standard of living that their countries of origin could NEVER grant. Not in a million years.
People from all over the world risk their lives, their fortunes, and the lives of their families to enter the USA by any means necessary or available to them. This is happening TODAY, not in years past.
No other country on the face of the earth or in the history of the human race is more welcoming to immigants than America. And no other country in history or currently offers immigants a better life and a chance at success than America.
So why all the hate by Muslims? Why do they hate the very people who take them in and grant them rights, privileges, prosperity, dignity that their countries of origin will not give them even on their best day? Read the Koran for your answer.

Bruce, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sad world we live in. Even sadder that 3 belief systems, that 'pray' to the same 'G-d' have so much hatred for one another. Maybe the world will have peace and quiet when they (Christians, Muslims and Jews ..and their various sects) eliminate one another? The biggest danger in our Generation, is Human ignorance and religion.

Geoffrey, Frankfurt, Germany

If muslims are radicalized they would be wise to look for the reason within their own religion and backword culture. When a majority of them believe that 911 did not happen or that the UK bombings are justified or that Israel should be wiped off the map, that is a sign that "they" have a problem and not the west. As to Anti-Americanism? Well we are getting used to it. However any country that will not stand for freedom will soon be conqured by these radicals. America is determined to stand against these facists nut cases and we will in spite of the name calling. Perhaps the people of Europe will open their eyes and see what is going on around them before it is too late

eurosceptic, NYC, USA

It is really sad, how many of us Americans are falling into the hype of distrust against others based on the practice of the individual Faiths. People tend to forget their own past, even we Americans and the Europeans. I have to agree 110% with Selina/Granite Falls WA, who stated "How dare you speak against Americans. We are good, decent people who love our families and only want the best for those we care about. And don't be fooled by the western media or by Hollywood. They don't speak for the true red blooded American. They certainly don't speak for me."
Even with the murderous Racist past of America, it is still the best of 'all the evils' so2say. It is a further shame that we allow certain 'institutions' and Lobbies to hijack our beloved Nation from we Americans. 3000 war dead ..and still no WMD have been found. Why can we not take care of our own first. The American people and our families should always come first. not the politics of Israel, Iraq and co. God Bless America!

Geoffrey, Frankfurt, Germany

This is yet another evidence that Religion is the Root of All Evil.

Alessandra, Milano, Italy

To Mark Smith, in Birmingham: the irony inherent in the fact that a majority of British Muslims felt the July 11th bombings were perfectly justified has most likely also passed you by... Or do you blame those on the big bad wolf--sorry, USA--too?

Paul Kelley, Columbia, USA

Well said Janet.

Steven, London, UK

Those claiming that America has squandered its respected standing in the world gloss over the fact that the USA was attacked on 9/11. In the midst of a perceived bounty of peace and togetherness enemies were plotting and acting out their war of Islamic aggression.

As an American I, for one, would rather be safe and principled than revered. In my personal life I find that adhering to princlples and speaking/acting truthfully rarely is rewarded with accolades.

Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and all Islamist enablers should be thankful that the full brunt of the American arsenal was not unleashed after the 9/11 attacks. Cartoons enrage Islamists who must be appeased by the West while an acto of war by these same Islamists must also be be appeased with education and understanding?!? Try entering Mecca as a Christian and embrace the tolerance these fascists exhibit.

Seattle Patriot, Seattle, USA

I am an American and have read these comments. I can't imagine hating an entire country. I don't think that the war on Iraq was a good idea. Saddam was a tyrant (from what I understand) and may have gotten what he deserved, it's sad for all of the people (of Iraq) I think they should leave the middle east to their constant fighting amongst themselves. It will never stop until the Lord returns. Israel will belong to Israel as is the jewish right. I can see how the US may come off as arrogant and... posssibly worse. It's unfortunate. I didn't vote for the current president. Even I don't hate muslims and I am a christian. I have always liked people from the UK (which is how I found this lovely blog in the first place.) I think half of the world is ugly acting and hateful. The fact that we all have God given freedom to think and act as we choose is the reason people are different. Different is one thing but so many of you who hate all americans should look to yourself.
Why blame Americans? I understand we come off as bullies but, it's not every single person in the entire country.

Lori, cololmbus,

People wonder why we have holocaust deniers. This philosophy of a consensus of reality without truth being involved means that a country like Iran can simply deny the holocaust and for them it is true. Truth isn't about reality then, it is culture against culture, not truth against falsity. So who's culture is right? Multiculturalism says no culture is better, just very different.

Mike, Bethesda, MD

John, London, UK. Well said. As an American, I couldn't agree more. Those of us that somehow feel we liberated Europe in WWII and are continually responsible for keeping the world free are sadly mistaken. I agree that a little humility would benefit us. We have wasted a ton of post 9/11 goodwill...

Those posters who feel the need to slide into name-calling only solidify the other sides views. Inteligent give and take makes for more interesting debate, don't you think?

Clint, Baltimore, MD

Dear adam, USA, USA. Did they really attack us first? I don’t recall Iraq bombing the twin towers: also what do you mean by “We saved much of Eastern World, many, many times.” According to history the USA destroyed more of it than any other country. While Britain did get a mauling from the Germans in WWII no Third Reich Army ever set a foot on our soil. Though the resources and manpower from the US was invaluable to the alliance the same can be said for Russia. As to your comments about having no snipers in the USA, I think you should read the local papers first as your country has one of the worst gun crime rates in the world. Unfortunately having pointed out that what most of what you have written is a load of juvenile nonsense I find myself agreeing with you that the best policy regarding the Arab world is simply to not interfere.

Walker, Portsmouth, England

Today it is Muslims and us. Supposedly, we get rid of all Muslims tomorrow it will be Catholic and non catholic, the day after it will be white and blacks and this will go on and on. Hate has no end, it only put on a new mask every time. Let us cure the disease and not kill the patient.

I come from a country that has a sizable Muslim population and we have witnessed some of the worst religious riots. Every time they have investigated into the reason for these riots, it was not religion but economic depravity of one community that caused the friction. A major part of the Muslim world today lives in immense poverty and lack of education. A few individuals control the majority of wealth and they use religion to keep the Muslim masses in dark ages. I am sure there are instance where even the most educated do acts of horror and human depravity but in the long run our well being lies in empowerment of the masses and achieving equality of people.
The real war should be on spreading education and providing economic means rather than shooting them down.

Rahul Gupta, London,

It is time that we distinguish the current US foreign policy with the institution that is the US-a democratic and enlightened nation that has been the at the forefront when dark forces have reared their despicable heads.Thank God that the American people HAVE such a vibrant public spirit and sense of decency-for they are the only ones to change their nation's foreign policy when it falters.Thank God that they are allowed to voice their displeasure,so that policies can be re-appraised and their leaders can be removed.The American people will always see things through in a logical and thought out manner.At present,the current administartion has told its nation that it is at war-and yet there are voices of legitimate dissent and protest at the manner at which the war is being conducted.There is always hope in such a nation where principles are cherished-unlike in the so called Islamic world whose legal and social policies are in a mess and people who are living under dictatorships.

Ale Feteh, london, england

The U K should set an example by returning religion to the people and separating it entirely from the state. This action would show the truth of how small the true number of deluded 'believers' is. Many of our politicians profess a faith on the basis that it may gain the religious vote. It would also demonstrate to Islam that one can have a principled state without a religion.
The theft of Principles by the churches as Christian Principles is just an attempt to try and keep up their bishops palaces and impose their often defective morality on the vast majority. All organised religion seeks power and as they cannot (in the UK) obtain it by force the introduce this super being who will punish you if you don't obey their commandments.
The Americans elect a president who professes Christianity but really sees himself as a world dictator who is under instruction by god and therefore can do no wrong. He has brought much suffering to the world.

Alan Hoare, Haltwhistle, UK

"One finding was that the wealthier and better-educated the Muslim was, the more likely he was to be radicalised." This comment reiterates my views entirely. I am in Iraq now and it occurs to me that the real enemys are the educated extremists in Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Israel. If the US imports the 'best, brightest and educated', then the US is bringing in the worst of the worst. The war on terror will not end until we close our eyes and pretend that it's over.

Justin, Ar Ramadi, Iraq

I bet they don't say that when there after their VISA

Dinesh Patel, London, UK

What is called "radicalism"among muslims is, in fact, arch-conservatism. Islam was founded roughly 600 years after Christianity and is now in desperate need of reform, as was Christianity in the 16th Century. Educated, better-off muslims are caught between an envy of the advances made by Western democracies and strict adherence to an unreformed medieval belief system. They cannot see that it is their religion, and not Western connivance, which holds them back. Hence they cannot see that Sharia Law and equal rights for women are diametrical opposites.

Without reform, Islamic nations will continue to lag behind. We in the West should not panic but must be prepared to defend our values and culture at all costs. We will travel to the stars and find the cure for cancer while muslims pore over the life of a 7th century Arab nomad.

Janet, London,

John Cunningham, Haverford, PA, , USA; given the thrust of the article the irony inherent within that post probably totally passed you by. Indeed, I'm sure you never even gave it a second thought.

Mark Smith, Birmingham,

well, you just have to read the comments from the two US citizens above to see why they are increasingly hated throughout the world, not just by muslims. ignorance, arrogance, illiteracy.

Ciaran, Dublin,

What separates Muslim "moderates" and "radicals" is not their relative religiousity, but what they each feel that Islam itself demands of believers. While Muslims generally believe in the legitimacy of al-shari'ah, they don't all interpret it, or want it applied, in the same way. The questions (and results) in this poll were useful, but somewhat superficial, and the comments by the various experts cited in your piece seem uniformly glib and misleading. Indeed, I don't think the finding that Muslims are largely pious, while many of those who hate us are not (Khalid Shaykh Muhammad being among the latter) comes as a surprise--not even to President Bush.

Raymond Stock, Cairo, Egypt

The statistics under the heading "Looking West" make interesting reading. It seems like countries in possession of nuclear weapons, or allegedly seeking to possess them, have experienced a reduction in anti-US feelings.

Sadly, perhaps it is human nature to want to avoid helplessness and vulnerability. To ensure that those who threaten realise there will be consequences if those threats were carried out. Nothing wrong with that, surely?

Sadly? Because it seems we have not evolved any further than the generations that lead us into the cold war . . .

R J Dworzak, London, Britain

I am staggered by the sheer ignorance shown in the earlier postings, sadly I note, mostly from the USA. I am pleased to see that your politicians don't waste their time in posting ignorant comments. The rest of the world has good reason to fear your power. You use it for no one other than yourselves. But you kid yourselves otherwise.

pondlife, Englishman, France

I'm naturally sympathetic to the US, but comments like "the whole world would be speaking German if it wasn't for the US" bely the overwhelming role and casualties sustained by the Russians in destroying the German army in WWII, and that during WWI the British and French had suffered over 2 million killed before the US even joined in. It's a kind of narrow triumphalism that gets exported via Hollywood and isn't endearing to other nations, who should otherwise love you (like the French and even Germans, for example).
We have a problem with radical Islam which is actually rooted in Colonial Briish conflicts of the 18th century, when these Mujaheed made their first appearance in Saudi Arabia and Northern India fighting British rule. It so happens they control our oil.
It's going to be a difficult fight to win, no doubt, but some strategic humility alongside the strategic brutality is going to help.
Even the USA cannot simply "beat up" 1/5 of the world's population.

John, London, UK

Unfortunately Islamic mistrust of America can be matched in feeling only by the childish responses from so many Americans against those who dare to believe that maybe, just maybe, America isn't perfect.

Also, could we please separate the War on Terror from World War 2? The fact that America joined the Second World War is no justification for another completely different war 60 years later.

Anthony Dunn, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany

We in the US may have our faults, but, you know I really don't care, in the least, what the rest of the world, especially Muslims, have to say or think about us.

John Cunningham, Haverford, PA, , USA

What happened to my posting ???

Ann Johnson, Brussels, Belgium

The problem is, the US is too kind. We saved much of Easten World, many, many times. World War 1 & 2. The only place that ever comes to our aide is England. Japan sneek atacked us, and we droped not one, but two atomic bombs on them! I am not one for war, but they attacked us first! We should go over there, blast everything that stands. We are the USA, we do not do that, any other place, would have long gotten the job done! The coward tatics that killed so many in 9/11. God/Allha cried, a horrible, act of murder in His name! IF it was not for US, you can rest ashured, Every one would be speeking german, and there would be no Jews, or any other "non-aryan" race left in Eroupe. So, I seriously think the us should just leave the Arab world to its own, all of the Peace loving, and truly reghious and good, come on over to the USA, were you can not worry about car bombs and snipers while you take your kids to school too many people who do not read their holy book themselves! THEY SHOULD

adam, USA, USA

Who cares? Too many people can't figure this one out. Both sides are killing civilians, so who cares? There's plenty of evil in the world. Just don't be an evil individual. It's pretty simple. I've never killed anyone and I really don't care what religion you are. Unless of course, your religion teaches you to kill others that are not members of your religion. In that case, I would, well what would you do? If someone came up to me and tried to kill me because I didn't do, say, or think something, I would try to kill them before they killed me. But when does one know for certain that one is trying to be killed? Do I wait until I am dead to react? At that point I will surely not be able to function independently. Maybe, I'll start fending of this person before I even know what they're up to. No, that wouldn't make sense either. If only people didn't try to kill other people. To me that is the only problem. What is the root of evil in the world? Truth is relative. Most people belive what they are learned to believe. I can't wait to see what Britney does next.

Josh, New Orleans, LA

The 9/11 attacks happened before the supposed "radicalisation" of the Muslim world. The American response to Pearl Harbor also increased hatred for Americans among the Japanese and Germans (and their ideological cohorts). It was only when the enemy's hope of victory had been taken away that they became less radical. Then both sides benefited.

The US supports democratic governments in Iraq and Afghanistan with provisions to protect the rights of minorities. It's the enemies of the US who don't want to give Muslims in those countries the right to choose their own governments, and who oppose protection for the rights of the individual. How sad it is that irrational hatred of the United States would cause so many Muslims--and non-Muslims--to favor the side of terrorists who are killing MUSLIMS in those countries. It shows not how bad the US is but rather how great the need for major change in the Middle East.

[P.S. -- that was a good observation by Joergen Munk]

Jean Carent, Columbia, USA

Islam is a religion of violence, coercion and depravity-look at their wondrous founder lest you have any doubts. Robert Spencer is right. The prooof is all in the koran and traditions of the "prophet" and the practice of this "peaceful" creed. The soultion is clear-we wage assymetrical warfare on them-more nuclear power; more oil drilling in western lands; more use of alternate fuels; spend billions converting them; seize mosques and convert them to Christian churches and deport as many muslims as possible. In short give them a staggerring dose of war
designed to undermine their religion.

bill mcintosh, Miami-dade, florida-USA

AMC,
your comments about MM have some validity, except that he is part of the System that cranks out these under-educated and abused children every year. The Public School System in America is Totally Bankrupt, and our school children have an opportunity to learn more on a Snow Day than a School Day! The Curriculum needs to change to the Classical model that actually teaches the kids something to think about, the Old Stuff like Reading, Writing and 'Rythmatic, Art and Music. NOT how to still feel good about getting the wrong answer even though you used the "right" method. Or worse...teaching kids how to put a condom on a cucumber! The most culpable culprit are the Teacher's Unions, lead by the NEA. They are more concerned about implementing the STUPID ideas from the Federal Education Cul-de-Sac, and keeping inept and abusive teachers in the classroom rather than weed out the Tares. An outright Act of War would do less damage to America!

jb, Baltimore, Peoples Republic of Maryland

Sir/Madam:
Non-Muslims are highly suspicious of Muslims, their culture, values, treatment of women and loyalty. Many consider them a liability! Let there be a poll! In many nations such as India, the US and West have higher favorable opinion than Muslims.

Is clash of civilizations for real?
Regards,

Krishna R. Kumar, Udupi, India

The United States is heading towards a clash of civilizations. Are so called political leaders on both sides of the aisle have done little to build America up in a time of war. Brave Americans are being killed and mamed every day while are great politicians figure out how we can surrender to radical Islam. How can we fight a war when we allow radicals to use mosques as fortresses to attack are troops. Does anyone think that WWII could have been won using the liberal form of fighting a war. Level the cities break the will of the radicals to fight. The press which runs the Democratic party has all but betrayed America by printing all of this anti American garbage. America needs a strong third party to confront radical islam. These fascist see us as being weak. They simply do not respect weakness. We are not willing to defend are borders. We are not willing to defend the Christian religion or even Christmas. We need to come together as Americans and stand up to these sick people.

Sam, Rochester, United States

What it all boils down to is jealosy of our prosperity. Period. You (meaning non-Americans) can have your predjudices and your hatred, your evil deeds, and your nasty comments about the US, but if an American says anything negative about any part of the world, then we are the ignorant ones. How dare you speak against Americans. We are good, decent people who love our families and only want the best for those we care about. And don't be fooled by the western media or by Hollywood. They don't speak for the true red blooded American. They certainly don't speak for me.

Selina, Granite Falls, WA

I have to agree that in general if you took a poll of "Westerners" there would be a jump in anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and Anti-Pakistani feeling in the last 3-4 years as well. 3-4 years of intolerant Muslims violently demanding surrender of freedom of expression over cartoons of Mohammed, marching in the streets demanding the downfall of the European societies that protect their lives and liberties (mercifully we haven't had much of that here in the U.S.) and claiming victimhood at the hands of the West for their own ideological failings have hardened a lot of hearts towards Islam.

I know there are honest and tolerant Muslims. I live in a part of the U.S. where there are many of them. The local Afghan community is almost a paragon of gratitude and patriotism. But I despair for worldwide Islam that the violence between them and the West and between Muslims itself is going to have to get much worse before it gets better

Steve, San Jose, USA

Brave Italian got it all wrong though. See before the settlers were the indians. Before the indians in some parts were the vikings... But lets back up to the indians. Indians killed and enslaved other indians when happy hunting grounds were not so good. The settlers just perfected what the indians were doing all along and um, we made a great nation out of it to boot.

What would the US be with out the settlers? um Much like parts of africa if no one ever went there to teach them to be civil.

shively, Beaverton Oregon, USA#1

Yacoub,
We put Saddam on the road to success, but he was too creative with the toys we gave him. We had the responsibility to take him out. Did we make some mistakes? Sure, but 50 million MUSLIMS are no longer enduring the Police State brutality Saddam created. Or id this alright with you, that he should still be oppressing "his" people? And yes, with Friends like the Saudi Royal Family, who needs enemies?

jb, Baltimore, Peoples Republic of Maryland

It's interesting how everyone blames America for problems all over the world, but it comes with the territory of being a powerful and influential nation. Most Americans, including myself, just want the government to not get in our way. We can handle our own problems and defend ourselves. If someone breaks into my home, I'd have no problem pulling a gun on them. We don't rely on police or government. We take care of things ourselves. Most Europeans seem to be the opposite, though I could be wrong. It seems that many European countries have let too many Muslim immigrants into their countries and now you're scared. I don't blame you. You should petition your government to loosen gun laws, so you can protect yourselves. I wish we didn't have to worry about Islamo-fascism, but it's real people. I wish everyone the best, and I pray that we don't have to worry about these issues much longer. Americans are generally a kind giving people, but we will not let our lives be destroyed.

Steven, Port Acres, TX

Jelous of America!

Dacil, cinncinatti, oh

The bigoted image so many seem to hold of America does not accurately
reflect the people of our great land. Granted, the world sees us through the lens of a leftist secular media. They chose not herald the great strength and decency of the American character. Yet we are the first to step up to help those hit by tragedy anywhere in the globe. We put our lives on the line to defend the liberty and freedom of others. And all we receive in return is contempt and demands for more dollars and blood. It is fair to say most Americans would like nothing better than to seal the borders and wish the world well in its struggle to survive in this increasingly dangerous world. But be careful for what you wish - the free world, what of it remains, will have no where else to turn. And hopefully your cries will no longer be heard.

True Larsen, San Francisco, USA

To Michael Moore clone AMC in the UK, we in America are already familiar with Moore's trashcan liner book, but I would like to recommend both a book and video that could conceivingly awaken you from your self-destructive slumber as an apologist for the radical Islamist movement:

The video is FAHRENHYPE 9/11...an insightful and professionally done refutation of Moore's slanted movie Fahrenheit 9/11...

The book is titled ON BEING A EUROPEAN MUSLIM one of UK's own "moderate" Muslim clerics and details the "moderate" viewpoint on why Islam has a divine right to rule Europe (or Eurabia as I call it)!!

Living on the western edge of a limp-wristed continent that will be totally Islamicized in 20 years, you have a greater stake in this, since your throat is more likely to be slashed than Moore, who lives in the relatively safe confines of America!!

don, Yuma, AZ USA

American's to see what is truly going on. It is by no means a "Muslim thing" to kill. Most Muslims are peaceful people. The peaceful one's are scared. They will not stand up and do anything so it is America's job to do it. It is America's job to protect our people. To keep our innocent civilians safe. The American way is in danger, not only from radical Islam but from the liberals, who are helping our country to be infiltrated, hurting America, the real America, in every way possible. And George Bush is one of them.

Chris, Cleveland, United States

...these upperclass Muslims are trying to suppress the views of the underclass. They are trying to silence the peaceful Muslims and infiltrate their schools with their propoganda. I have heard it from Muslim, one said 70% of them are peaceful, while the other 30% are not however, the 70% is afraid to stand up because they are scared about what will happen to them. This is much like the mind-control machine of Stalin in Soviet Russia, it was you disagree we will kill you. Today it is much the same. And until someone in the media will relay this to the people it will not be understood. American media is filling the people's heads with garbage. They will not tell the whole story and will not inform the people about what is really going on. The war on terror is justified. It is justified to fight back when you are hit. You must look at footage of 9/11 to understand just how gruesome these people are. You must see that everyday, you must see the beheadings of numerous...

Chris, Cleveland, United States

Perhaps I might remind AMC of Luton that the settlers who wiped out the indigenous peoples were English, operating off the kill-the-natives-and-English-settlers gameplan begun by the Tudor government in Ireland. One does well to avoid holier than thou when one has 500 years of Imperial baggage hanging around one's neck.

Robin, Ojai, CA, USA

This poll reveals alot that the article does not want to reveal. If you look at the statistics it seems that the more educated wealthier Muslims have more anti-west feelings. While the undereducated Muslims embrace the ideas of the West more openly. This is simply because the more educated want to supress and control the uneducated. That is because the more educated hate the ways of the West they hate democracy and everything that American's stand for. Look for example at Saudi Arabia, they are a very wealthy Muslim state, they are funding teaching of Whabbism, the radical Muslim ideals. However, they are "allies" with the United States. This is because they are opportunists. They also tend to side with the American liberals even though the American liberal ideals are far from what they stand for. They do this because it gives them power. It gives them a greater ability to control and suppress the undereducated. They do this so the undereducated can not speak out in favor...

Chris, Cleveland, United States

Eugene , Brno, Czech Republic

Didn't your country support Nazi Germany in the 1930-40's?
So why am I not surprised by you comments?
Oh! By the way if you don't care, why read the article in the first place and then comment?

All those murdered on all 5 continents by the US please raise your hands!!! Unfortunately, they can't they've all been murdered by the US over the last 200 years of its existence. Makes you wonder why Hugo Chavez called George Bush the DEVIL in the UN?-NOT

AMC, Luton, UK

The Muslims have been fighting everyone and each other for 1000's of years. A religion of peace? Not from my view. The oppressive governments in the Middle East blame the West for everything. Why do the people in these oil rich countries live such impoverished lives? Although not oil rich, the people in Palastine live in terrible squalor, yet Arafat's Wife is now living abroad with Billions in the bank . Of course Arafat blamed Isreal and the US for the countries woes. Basically do not pay any attention to the man behind the curtin, as he and Hamas robbed the country blind. This hatred for the West started well before the Iraq war...remember 9/11?

Jim O'Connor, Chicago,

I wonder if the muslims who wage holy war against the west realize how truly powerful their enemies are and how futile their attempts will be in the end. What is coming is the utter destruction of the middle east and a good deal of the muslim world in addition to that. The mullahs in Iran hold a nation hostage, and endanger its pro-western youthful population due to it's nuclear ambitions. They will draw the rest of the region into utter chaos for what they think will be the benefit of the Mullahs who run it. For all those who criticize the west in it's attempts to do something about terrorism; right or wrong... What has the muslim world contributed to the world other than economic and social oppression? How much better off will mankind be once the war the muslims so badly want with the west has come and gone? America does have enemies, no doubt throughout the muslim world and elsewhere, but it will not be those enemies that bring it down. The enemies within it are far more sinister.

H. Seebold, Lincoln, Nebraska

I feel sorry for Islam. Having read one book - the Bible - and then the other books, you have to wonder if most Muslims are aware of the fact that what their prophet said was already covered - more so infact. Are they aware of this fact?

Phil, Preston,

I believe the true feelings of Muslims became evident on 9/11. You could see from the reactions around the Muslim world what these people think of the USA. I don't find a survey of their anti-American feelings very surprising. It's odd that the so-called "radical" Muslims embrace a religion of hatred. I really do not think this is what Mohammed had in mind. At least fundamental Christians pretend to embrace a religion based on love and tolerance.

Mike, Pontotoc, USA

This is one American who does not give a flip what muslims think! Enuff said!

SamDeakins, Richmond, KY

When are people going to realise that Islam is not evil; that Muslims are not all rerrorists. One of the basic tenets of the Koran is that murder is a crime, and that murder of innocents is an abomination. It seems that there is a lunatic fringe in every society, and religeon is one of the good old fall back excuses for murder and mayhem. People who perpetrate terrorist crimes in the name of God or Allah, will have to face up to that God one day. (Believe it or not, people of the book, Christians, Muslims, Jews, etc., believe that whatever you call your God, he/she is one and the same being). Ireland was split for years because of the same situation: catholics and protestants at each others throats - because of their belief. One day, people will realise that religeon has nothing to do with terrorism: Power and only power is what they are after-nothing more.
For God's/Allah's/Buddah's sake, why can't peace break out for a couple of hundred years - just for a change.

David, Liverpool, UK

The muslim's hatered of the United States doesn't seem stand in their way of craving for a 'green card' according to the nytimes...I guess beliefs and actions don't really align up in the islamic world...Or maybe they prefer to live in the infidel west than their violent homelands.
'More Muslims Are Coming to U.S. After a Decline in Wake of 9/11'

http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F1081FFB3F550C738DDDA00894DE404482

TexAg, Dublin, Ireland

Gallup calls it an “unfavourable view” of the US, while when its the other way around its called "prejudice towards Muslims". The wording says all about where the prejudice is.

Joergen Munk, LondonUK, UK

It seems Mr. Barley and much of the "blame America/anti-Bush" crowd aren't aware of the Muslim terrorists fighting Hindus in India, Buddhists in Thailand, Christians in Indonesia and Philappines (not to mention Jews in the Middle East) well before 9/11. Fortunately we have an American President willing to make the difficult decisions to take on this developing threat. Perhaps Americans shouldn't intervene, afterall communist regimes only killed some 100,000,000 people and German & Japan forces only killed some 36,000,000 in WWII before coalition forces of which America was a large part defeated them. And I'm sure civilians under communist regimes and Germans and Japanese during WWII were convinced by their press of the evil empire the USA represented. Deja vu all over again.

Scott, San Diego, USA

Muslim society began to radicalise in Europe well before 9/11, the source of the radicalisation [ in teachings and finance] was and still is Saudi Arabia. The 'War on Terror' is in reality the fightback against the islamic menace, and to call this response the 'cause' of radicalism is to fall for the most basic anti-western islamic propaganda.

robertson, london, uk

i do not understand why we value the oppinon of america haters to the extent that we do our media is responsible for 99% of our situation in regards to how we are perceived in this world if they told the truth unvarnished the reality is progressives have taken away our common sense and replaced it with P-C it amazes me that they don'twant religon to interupt their agenda however they want give our BLOODTHIRSTY ENEMIES their religon which is a religon of HATE and in doing so deny us our god agod that teaches us that there is good and evil bottom line is we are a morally bankrupt nation

dan strausbaugh, spring grove, usa illinois

"Also the Americans have a notoriously ill-disciplined army"

Really? And the statistics which backup this hyperbole are where? The fact is that the Americans have deployed half a million individuals at one time or another to Iraq, and only a handful have been involved in criminal acts. In all cases, where US military personel have been involved in criminal acts, they have been prosecuted. The incidence of criminal behaviour within the ranks is lower than the general civilian population.

Murph, Rotherhithe,

I'm sure if Gallup did a survey of Americans and Westerners on their opinions on Muslims, the animosity would be reciprocal.

And to the poster 'Jane, Liverpool UK', who is worried about American stupidity - take a look at European behaviour during the last century - massive slaughter, genocides of religious minorities, murderous dictators, civil wars, etc . ..

Makes the Yanks looks pretty good by comparison.

Charles, NX,

ALLOW THE LIGHT OFN THE LORD TO ENTER and all thesefeelings of anti this and that will soon become positive feeling of everything is gonna be all right!

dean, eliot, usa

Although not all Muslims are terrorists it appears that nearly all terrorists ARE Muslims.

It's a problem the Muslim community must sort out in their community . Do they believe in law and order or not?

kevan hyett, Jo'burg, South Africa

it is strange but true. in india we have found that as long as the muslim population is in a minority they have secular views but the moment they are the majority they go back to the 7th century!! there is however an interesting phenomenon occurring in the Gulf. the younger generation do NOT want the clerics to be involved in politics and want a separation of the political and religious spheres of their lives. interesting is this the muslim renaissance long overdue?? we will soon know but democracies must persevere and continue on the high road till the autocratic ayotollahs are removed from political power.

devindra sethi, delhi, india

Typical School yard bully attitude. Bully walks up to a target. pushes target around to get lunch money. Target strikes back instead. Bully uses his target's act of self defense to justify increasing his own level of violence.
In this case it is the jihadists acting as the bully.
Saying that the war on terror increases anti-American feelings in Muslims is no different than saying proponents of self defense raise anger in criminals.
America did not start this war and it is not a new war. The first US president to fight back against Islamic terrorism was Thomas Jefferson in the latter 18th century. His predecessors tried paying the extortion demands and it failed.

Mark, Lowell, usa

To all the "Janes" out there who disdain the US military as uncouth idiotic brutes: perhaps you'd prefer the company of Somali warlords, Happy Chadian troops in Rwanda, humanitarian Abu Sayef, friendly FARC or maybe go for that full "Tibetan" experience at the soft hands of the PRC's People's Army?? Let's stick with the awful US and my meager knowledge of history then, shall we? I'm sure you would rather have those gentle Americans from back in, say, 19 Oct 1781 with your bud Cornwallis at Yorktown. Certainly the US Army was to your standards in 1812-15. Maybe the doughboys of 1917-18? Nah, those stupid Americans were dumb enough to lend-lease to the Brits for years before jumping in fully in 1942. Against an enemy that didn't sink the Pacific fleet either, how dumb! Getting the picture? Maybe you should thank us Americans for being so stupid to shed blood and treasure for ungrateful countries. Let's also not forget who drew the lines in the sand for all the countries in the Gulf!

Rob R., Omaha, Nebraska

As a US born Christian conservative I am also condemnatory of promiscuity and our sense of moral decay.
But our freedom of speech allows for immoral people to speak and act how they please. And I am OK with that.
Muslim countries do not allow for the same freedoms as the US because they are not accomidating to these immoral idividuals. They cannot see the forrest...
The US is the greatest country in the world because it an accepting and forgiving nation.
Muslims want to have it both ways...freedom of speech without freedom of vulgarity. There is either freedom of ALL speech or no freedom at all.

Niles, STL, USA

The comments on this article, rather than contemplating and analysing how we ended up in this situation, the responses just chant the usual party line prevailing in the media as they did back in 2003 in the run up to the Iraq war. Now, face it, it is not rocket science, the muslims (the monolith we're told about) are not stupid and do not want any of the patronizing attitudes prevailing in so-called liberal circles, since the end of colonization (remember that?) western countries (another monolith) followed a set of policies meant to further their own interests, the results of these policies are blowing in their faces. Muslims are not going to sit idle and be told what to do and who to rule them by others. Where was your sense of outrage when dictatorships were roasting entire populations with weapons your governments sold them? Where are your "democratic values" when you back unconditonally a regime such as the saudi royal family? You made your bed now lie in it !

Yacoub, Casa Blanca, Morocco

Here's another quote from a brave Italian.
"I don't want any more Americans here and I don't want a new base. They should just leave us alone," said Pucci Mori, a resident of Vicenza who lives near the proposed base expansion.
"Wherever they go in the world, Americans cause trouble."
I submitt in evidence American History since its creation via the genocide of the original peoples and rest my case.

AMC, Luton, UK

To all Americans and or Euro-Americans!
Here’s a quote from Michael Moore’s book:
"Dude, where’s my country", published by penguin books in 2003, pages xii-xiii.
Are you ready for the quote from Michael Moore’s book? You sure?? It’s going to hurt!
“they (meaning you Americana’s) are just hopelessly lost, in part because of an enforced ignorance that begins in school where they learn next to nothing about the rest of the world, and continuing through daily adult life where their media has all but eliminated any foreign news that does not have something to do with the USA.”
I suggest the Americana's and others here should get this book and the other one by MM “Stupid White Men”- you may just learn something about yourselves. And next time you want to discuss Islam go do some homework instead of showing your ignorance on the subject matter.
Reading the comments here is proof enough the MM is right.

AMC, Luton, UK

Well all this seems to ignor the fact that Islam has been at war with none Muslims since the year 630. Now i never condem a religious institution but the praticiners of that religion. You can say you're a religion of peace. But when you demonstrat publicly aginst Danish Cartoons of Mohammad. But not one such demostration against radical Muslims misreprensatation of your beloved religion. Then your claims to want peace falls on deaf ears. Your actions speak so loudly, we hear not what you say. But keep this in mind, the Japanese though they could defeat us until we fought back.

Terrance, Los Angeles, CA

To Albert of Nottingham, re your statment, quoted: "The US is certainly not perfect, but imagine what the world might expect if any one of the above mentioned Muslim nations was the worlds superpower." My response pertains to Morocco since it's one of the countries mentioned in the article. If Morocco was a superpower, based on its track record, it would behave Islamically and, therefore, would attempt to implement its policies with justice for ALL in mind. It would attempt to ensure that all citizens are provided with basic neccessities needed to survive, in a society where the rich don't attain their status by corruption, favoritism and by stepping over the poor. A socitety would be created where EVERYONE, rich or poor, is reminded to revolve their behavior around the thought that they are all spiritually equal before their creator.

King Hassan of Morocco had shielded the Jews from the Nazis during the second World War.

Gotta go.

Ali, Simi Valley, USA/California

Yes! The Muslims were responsible for WWI, WWII, dropping of atomic bombs on two Japanese civilian cities, the Korea and Vietnam wars, wars waged in central and south America, the genocide of Aboriginal peoples of North, Central and South America and Australasia and much more. Stalin and Mao together were NOT responsible for the murder of more than 40 Million people! IT WAS THE MUSLIMS! Yes! Very Blood thirsty these Muslims: Start stoking the gas chambers to rid the west, nay the world, of them- all 1.5 billion. After all it comes quiet naturally to us “civilized” westerners! Recent evidence -Iraq and Afghanistan

AMC, Luton, UK

And I'm sure that if a poll was held in Europe and America regarding feelings towards Islam you'd find that the majority despise Islam as well.

So what's your point??.

Stephen Thomas, London,

we surely need understanding from both parts....is this something new?????of course we are more alike than different .we are ALL children of God.and WE are all brothers and sister .try to understand and stop hatred.

j, oviedo, spain

I would suggest that people around the world are not simply antiamerican. Many are just like many Americans are, simply against what is being done in Americas name by those rather un-Americans in power. There is much in American history that people love and admire. Otherwise would be like saying people think that McCarthyism is what America is all about, and the like. Also, I believe Muslims may have mixed emotions, wanting to defend their traditional religion, while also wanting more open, more democratic societies. A survey will often tell as much about those who put the questions which limit answers to yes and no to just those, as it does about the folks who try to answer within the limits of the questionaire. It is unfortunate if these surveys are presented as if their results are hard science. Anyone could perhaps form as qualified an opinion just walking the streets or having a coffee in a café.

Peter Klok, Farum, Denmark

My first reaction is, 'Who cares?' My second is this: no USA, no Islam. If the US had not entered WW11, Hitler would have taken control of the whole of the Middle East and wiped out all Semitic peoples, Muslim and Jew. My third reaction is that the world's population has doubled since the sixties, largely owing to the proliferation of US drugs and inoculations. So, hands up all those who owe their lives to the US.

Eugene , Brno, Czech Republic

I don't believe it is so much general ignorance in the American Viewpoint as I believe we fail to remember the recent past and apply it to today.

America must stop trying to view the rest of the world through the views of OUR people. We ARE different, or there would not be so many people trying to get into our country and bring thier families too. America is a great place, there is great wealth and opportunity. It's the only place where 9/11 COULD have happened. Just as the country folk of the southern US live a different life style than thier brothers in NYC, we must let the world be different from us. Trying to force OUR view on others has given us a black eye in the world and spent the gross national product of Saudi Arabia to fight a war the Arabs should have fought themselves. What could we have done for the Iraqi people with all that money spent on this war to improve life and thier infrastructure. If we can't get that it's ok for a Sunni to slaughter Shia and destroy their places of worship, the OUR perspective needs to change.

Carlo D este, Richland, VA

So how is that most want to come to live in the US and start a bussiness? How is that the muslins living already in the US dont want to live in muslin countries that uphold Sharia laws? I guess the american way of life is not as bad as they claim.

F.Bonmati, New Jersey, USA

Has it ever occurred to you to canvass British, American, or even a general survey of Western opinion of Muslims and the way that they conduct themselves? Now that would make for significant and relevant reading.

David Russell, Sheffield, South Yorkshire

i am a muslim and the only reason people hate america now is due to all the war.they are just as bad as the terrorists by killing the innocence of iraq and giving money to isreal to kill the lebanese.america should not get involved in a war between two countries instead of creating peace they fuelled the destruction of another country.i do not agree with the terrorism at all but the people who have lost families and watched there loved ones being killed by american soldiers are going to want revenge for their death.apologising for torture is not going to bring a dead man alive or heal the wounds.
the iraqi's may have been under the dictatorship of saddam but he is dead now so why are the soldiers still there?they have found no oil and actually left the country in a ruin so why stay any longer?
all the money america and britain r spending on war could be used in saving lives instead of killing! america especially could be helping those who are still living in poverty in their country!

Nazeerah, London, UK

I would disagree with Ben that Sharia s inherently oppressive of women. I think he has no understanding of the Sharia it is very clear about the rights of all regardless of gender. The study should be taken as an awakening in the Muslim intellectual and common thought. The West still hold the medieval tunnel vision of Islam. I know that some so called expert of Islamics from a western institution will be the only one who could answer the Muslim world problem. However I do agree that in the Muslim world oppressive regimes who when it suits them will champion Sharia law for their own oppressive hold on their masses. I think all those who are involved in the Middle Eastern crisis which we should remind ourselves is on going saga from the 18th century from European Imperialist to modern USA foreign policy, is the main concern in the Muslim World in general and not just restricted to the Arabs.

M Z, Leicester, uk

My fourth reaction is, I don't think the girls in the photo are Muslims.

Eugene , Brno, Czech Republic

Oh America, plurastic society, freedom in religion. Why all the hoo haa regards Obama, Osama, Barack, Iraq allegedly being Muslim.

Imagine if he was Muslim - would the American public let even let him past the primaries.

Maybe the West really does need to look at its own liberal values, before research Muslim opinion.

No doubts, The Times will now pass my details onto the intelligence services for constant monitoring. I am here, go ahead.

Shaffiq Mahmood, Halifax, West Yorkshire

It's not too suprising that the higher percentages of unfavourable views are from the countries causing the most problems: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and iran. They are upset with anyone standing in the way of their global jihad. They are the perpetrators of intolerance, violence, and terrorism. Any democracy is their enemy. Look at how they treat other religions. Islamic countries have been cited as the chief perpetrators of persecution of the Christian Church.

David Collins, Garland, USA/TX

I completely agree with R. Smith. Radical Muslims hate not only us Yanks, but the whole of everyone who DOES NOT AGREE WITH THEM AND THEIR FANATICAL DOGMA. Bush had no chance once 9/11 occurred except to act, and if he didn't there would have been an outcry. Catch-22.
What fascinates me is how racist some of the people on this forum are. Why does it all boil down to the 'moral breakdown' of the US? Take a look at the growing fanaticism of the radical Muslims and why are they killing so many innocents? Call them to account instead.
And Jane darling,honestly, you need to get yourself out of Liverpool and actually travel to the US to see what it is all about. We are essentially a friendly, helpful and tenacious bunch with the best of every culture all on one continent....that is why we are the world power. It bothers me when people like you become patronizing and spout off on something that they are so painfully ignorant over. Broaden your horizons instead of narrowing them.

Michca, Huntington Beach, CA, USA

The findings regarding disdain of American moral decay seem to support Dinesh D'Souza's contention in his oft criticized book, "The Enemy at Home: The Cultural Left and Its Responsibility for 9/11". Interesting in deed.

Mason Jahr, Capitol City, USA

I agree but the secularists will never accept or admit that they might have been a factor in the reasons for the 9/11. They will continue to chant the mantra that religion is bad for the country and secularism is good for it. With choices come consequences, some are intentional, some are unexpected and unintentional.

Dennis Riecke, Brandon, USA, Mississippi

Not sure if the sensationalist title matches the facts of the survey.

Alfonso Parelli, duracell,

It is no shock that Muslims have an unfavorable view of the US, as the media is state controlled in most Muslim nations, the schools and religious leaders have long indoctrinated hatred and violence towards Israel and the US, (because the US supports Israel).
The US is certainly not perfect, but imagine what the world might expect if any one of the above mentioned Muslim nations was the worlds superpower.

Albert G, Nottingham,

To Jane, in Liverpool, I must say the United States is a very large country full of a wide range of people. Very few of them are stupid or ignorant. I would imagine, having lived and worked in London, that the average IQ in the US is a few points higher than one finds in the UK, in my experience. We do have a dismal media and our industrial and political classes are completely out of our control, but we are neither unaware of environmental pollution and junk food, nor supportive of either. Organic consumption is growing by 10 - 15% annually and there is great anger against the things she rails against. Nor did we swallow (67% of us) the line about Al Quaeda and WMD. Bush did that on his own, with the connivance of the media. Most Americans oppose the war. As to our troops discipline, we have never had the taste for atrocities the British Army has shown through the years (Amritsar, Ireland, etc). England isn't top nation any more. Get over it.

Robin, Ojai, CA, USA

To Jane (Liverpool, UK). I am a Brit currently working in the US (Boston) and I find Americans to be far more curteous, civil and intelligent than than the majority in the UK. Americans owe Europe nothing; if anything, it is the other way around: without them, all of Europe would be speaking German or maybe Russian. If their tv programs are so bad, why are so many imported by UK companies (Frazier, Sex & the City, MASH, CSI, Star Trek, etc, etc)? As regards Saddam and WMD, the security services of Britain, France, Ireland, Germany, Spain and Italy all agreed with the CIA that Saddam had them, would use them and that he had to be disarmed. The only countries with the nerve to do this were the US, UK, Canada and the Aussies - the rest of Europe simply stuck their heads in the sand and hoped the problem would go away. Rather than be associated with these European cowards, I am glad I am in the US with people who will stand up for what is right and proper. If Muslims dont like this: TOUGH!

Stephen Stribbling, Boston, USA

Jane,

Who is the number one consumer of our exported junk and culture? Yes, it is the UK. If you don't want Brits to go along with the Yanks, your effort must begin at home. To simply blame the US might make you feel better, but it won't solve your root concern.

Clint, Baltimore, MD

the anti- american feelings are just the result of the american war against moslems...., that's why many moslems see america as an ennemy ..islam has nothing to do with radicalisation..but it's unfortunatly used as one of the terrosists means to influence the young population, and politics are responsible of this kind of behavour.

sabrina, s, algeria

Interesting article and dialoqie but a more insidious issue lies at the core. Modern society is coming to a boiling point. Islam has been hijacked by the radical islamist. They are not terrorist they are cowards. They hide behind masks and are unwilling to stand up for their beliefs beyond random bombings and ruthless beheadings. GOD or ALLAH will judge these misguided fools harshly. The USA is not the one blowing up vehicles in crowded marketplaces nor are they kidnapping hundreds and killing them. We are fools as well as to think we can change a tribal society bent on revenge. NO one talks about the schools, hospitals, and infrastructure the West has contributed to IRaq and Kuwait. There will be another great war in this world and unfortunately battle lines will be drawn by religion. It will be bloody and it will be nuclear. Look no further than Iran and you will see it is true. GOD help us all

Dennis, Sacramento Ca, USA

It should be noted that the USA was the champion and saviour of muslims in Bosnia etc and Ms. Allbright the sole world diplomat who spoke out for an end to Serb agresssion and persecution of these people. The Europeans spent years on futile discussion with Milosovitch, the American view was direct and forceful intervention.

Piggy Kruger, Bridgwater, Somerset, UK

nither the western people nor fanatic mouslims understood islam and its priciple islam has two sources koran and the propheting sayings of prophet mohammed and not every one can read them and literaly understand the meanings no these verses are deeper and wider so people who can do this scholars who have scientific capacity in the second point islam is not such a relegion for praying and paying charity for poor but islam its the general view to the cosmos which balances between reason and faith / relegion and state also islam contain legislations like the positive law our civilization based upon reason and faith and the people who are saying that women are obssesed in islam thats strange in islam the women has the right to vote and to be judge that was in medevils while the women in europe had no legal capacity
and the examples in islam are many but people are looking to fanatic mouslims not from its real sources of islam koran and sunna

ahmed amir, cairo , egypt

The numbers of innocents killed by Bush and Blair's so called war on an abstract idea makes the numbers killed by so called muslim fanatics pale into insignificance. Stop occupying and attacking oil rich muslim states and the populations in these country will not hate us. By the way all muslims in the UK are not "guests". The majority are born and bred Brits and also anglo-saxon converts.

Dr Izhar Khan, Aberdeen,

"The ignorance of the American people is something many of us have always found to be rather scary."

While I don't disagree twith Jane's assertion that there is ignorance in American society, I find generalizations like this don't really add to the discussion. The problem with the rest of the world is not simply that America has screwed it up. Nor is it that, as she implies, the entire country consists of slack jawed, flag waving simpletons who enjoy their news spoon fed to them. Some might rightly point to Bush as the problem. But he wasn't elected by a landslide. Slightly more than half of us did NOT vote him into office the first time.

Lisa, Los Angeles, California

In my opinion, George Bush is a politically inept man who, having attained the presidency, found himself forced to cope with the events of 9/11 et seq.

However, he is neither "Hitler", nor a "facist", nor a "war criminal". Owing to our delightful habit of having a presidential election every four years, he will soon depart the scene, and then whatever whining leftist we elect will
enable all of us to turn belly-up and allow Europe, and maybe even the UK to become dominated by Muslims and enjoy the pleasure of living under Sharia.

Judith M. Shimkus, St Louis, USA

I find it interesting that no mention is made about Saudi Arabia funding Islamic schools throughout the workd that teach students that America and the west are evil.

How can you have a survey on anti-american feeling in a country like Pakistan without mentioning that the curricula in litteraly thousands of schools across that nation teach their students to hate the U.S.

To Jan from Liverpool, your comments reveal a much more prejudiced nature than you even accuse Americans of having. Are you claiming that shows like Only fools and Horses, Coupling, Worst week ever, etc... are the hieght of civilization?

Cambel, washington , DC/ USA

Without President Bush, there would have been numerous follow-on attacks to the Sep 11 atrocities, celebrated by Muslims around the world. The gift President Bush has given America and the West is to fight the Muslim jihad on their turf, not ours; to put the jihadis on the strategic defensive.

Muslims have been radicalized since Islam was hatched. The current campaign of Muslim terror is part of a 1300 year old jihad that is waged on the non-Muslim world in accordance with Islamic doctrine. This jihad against the West was begun by Muslims long before America was discovered and the USA established.

The Muslim notion that democracy and liberty can exist under Sharia law is fantasy illustrating Muslim doublethink. Sharia and democracy are mutally exclusive. The Muslims irrationally think they can have it all when, in fact, they need to face reality and pick one. Sharia is the dark past. Democracy is the bright future.

Tantor, Washington, DC, USA!

This survey is very firm on two things that Western apologists should note.

Firstly, there is no fundamental discontinuity between the radicalised Moslems and the so called ‘ordinary’ Moslems. The problem is less to do with the individuals concerned and almost completely to do with the supremacist vision of an ideology masquerading as a religion…and, astonishingly, a religion of Peace to boot!

The second point is that this radicalisation has nothing to do with poverty. These people have not been driven to war against civilisation because they have no money for flying lessons. They have adopted a warlike stance because they have read and understood the will of Allah as expressed in the Koran much better than their more casual co-religionists.

Jan, Peterborough, England

To Dave D..
The irony is that due to the European demographic death spiral. Coupled with Europes massive and increasing un assimilated muslim immigration. Within a generation or two we'll know what a world is with out Europe as we know it. This, in part, explains in large part the European fixation on percieved American shortcomings. It's easier to blame their fears and problems on the states than it is to face the harsh reality facing them at home.

Mike , Seattle,

It would help if Americans were educated about the outside world with regard to politics, culture, religion, humanitarian issues and so on.
The American TV news programmes are frighteningly simplistic, pro-American propaganda. The ignorance of the American people is something many of us have always found to be rather scary. Stupidity, ignorance of what they owe to the rest of the world (particularly Britain and the rest of Europe) and a rabid patriotism are a worrying combination.
We will continue to see the results from their major exports: environmantal pollution (far out of proportion to their population); junk food and junk culture and misdirected aggression.
Saddam had nothing to do with Al Quaeda and had no WMD, but the yanks swallowed that line didn't they?
Also the Americans have a notoriously ill-disciplined army, which not suprisingly is making new enemies every day.
Why on Earth did the Brits go along with this madness? Never again.

Jane, Liverpool, UK

Naratiwat,Yala and Pattani in Thailand, Mindanao in the Phillipines, Sulawesi, Lombok, Bali et al in Indonesia, Dafur in Sudan, Kashmir in India and periodically Nigerians and Copts in Egypt are all victims of Muslim violence. They are not part of the West. The problem seems not to be Islam and the West, but rather Islam and ALL its neighbours

Robert Smith, Phuket , Thailand

The findings regarding disdain of American moral decay seem to support Dinesh D'Souza's contention in his oft criticized book, "The Enemy at Home: The Cultural Left and Its Responsibility for 9/11". Interesting in deed.

Mason Jahr, Capitol City, USA

America is only waging war on terrorism & in turn helping the whole world to live in a peaceful environment.It's defnitely not easy to see it's children sacrifice their lives in the war,yet someone's gotta put a stop to the horrible terrorists.Thanks to the US for trying to protect the world on the whole.

sunil kumar, bangalore, karnataka

This survey puts paid to the much vaunted theory by UK Muslims that deprivation is the source of their anger.

The key is to stop them bombing and killing innocent people and that's a job that security and immigration can deal with. How Muslims rationalise the idea of slaughter is neither here nor there. What they do in Saudi is one thing, what they do as guests in this country is entirely another.

J Harker, London, UK

Pete, Cov

When your next muslim attack occurs, remind me about war crimes will you.

Lord Haw-Haw

Bill Busterov, Council Bluffs, IA

"Most women in the predominantly Muslim countries believed that Sharia should be the source of a nation’s laws, but they strongly believed in equal rights for women."

Of course this is impossible, as Sharia is inherently oppressive of women. I guess this is the result of age old discrimination against women and lack of education of women (and men) in many Muslim societies. Like a kind of religious Stockholm Syndrome, even the women come to support it...

Ben, London, England

terrorists gotta be stopped.you can't expect them to come have a 'round table conference' with you.they speak the language of destruction.if not for George w. bush, there would be utter disaster in the world.

sunil kumar, bangalore, karnataka

Make no mistake: "the US" is a proxy for "the West." Muslim societies lag behind western society in providing material benefits for the people who live in them. If you doubt it then look at all the immigrants from Islamic countries to the west. The reason there is no reversal of this trend on any grand scale is the same reason Muslims in Muslim countries do not have much love for the US, namely resentment of the material success people in the liberal west commonly enjoy. Dress that up with a patina of "religious piety" and, ta-da, you get the results of the poll.

Georg, Red Bank, USA

i agree with mr.Nathan Hall, above. its a deadly virus & should be done away with.

sunil kumar, bangalore, karnataka

Mr Barley,
War was declared on the West in the mid-1990s by bin Laden when Clinton was president. Blame the people who launched the attack on 9/11 or in
Kenya, etc

Chuck, Gahanna, Ohio, USA

What about changing your title to reflect the reality:

"Anti-Muslim feelings soar as Western society is radicalised by Islamic terror attacks."

Ad, Nottingham, UK

Dear Dave Duringer of Ladera Ranch, CA.

Most of us think highly of American democracy, technology and free speech. I dont think there is a single person in the world that doesnt think that we are better off because of America.

However, one wonders, what the world would be like without George Bush. I for one, would like to see him charged with war crimes one day.

Pete, Cov,

Headlines "Muslim Society is radicalised by war on terror" then we go on to read "7%" that is hardly what I call representative of the Muslim society. Then you state that the wealthier and better educated, the more likely they are to be radicalised (no percentage here but we have no problem in guessing the percentage of wealth and education against poverty and education. I very much doubt that 90% of the world's muslim population took part in any survey let alone this one, perhaps the 1500 London, Paris and Berlin participants are more representative. There is a difference between growing mistrust between "Islam" and the West than between "Islamists" radicals and the West. Then the article tends to move towards what the researchers "thinks" than actual facts.
According to the article since the radicals belong to the wealthy and educated - is it any wonder that they are happier ! A vote for Hamas is probaby more likely to be a vote for the destruction of Israel and an end of the peace process.

Ann Johnson, Brussels, Belgium

This poll is absurd. Muslims want freedom of speech? Their reaction to Rushdie and the Mohammed cartoons clearly show otherwise. Many more inconsistencies can be pointed out as well.

Steve McQueen, NY, NY

A recent roundtable on CSpan on terrorism cautioned that it's even more complex than this poll and its analysis suggest. They said it is important to pay attention to complex local conditions. It would be interesting to learn also whether it's true that Arabs tend to go with a winner, and since the U.S. is doing badly in some places, whether this effect can be measured and what it is. Indeed, US support for successfully standing down the failed Hezbollah take-over in Lebanon has helped the US image there. And the perhaps accidental split between Sunni and Shiites in the region as a result of US efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan has positive benefits for the West. Standing up to Iran also seems to be having positive effects.

Richard L.A. Schaefer, Dubuque, USA

What else was to be expected? Mr. Bush's "war" (illegal invasion) and devastation of a sovereign state has started something which he cannot end. Westerners everywhere, and especialaly Americans, will be potential targets for Islamic terrorists for years, decades to come - it's too late to change that now. Mr. Bush has destabilized the world and radicalized Islam with his (non-)Christian actions. And please don't say there was terrorism before Iraq. Of course there was. But there was a chance of ending it then with wise political action. Not now though, I fear.

alan barley, cologne,

Hmmm...what would the world be like without America?

Dave Duringer, Ladera Ranch, CA

The west has imported a deadly virus and should do away with it as soon as it can!

There is a threat which most wish to ignore, appease and control. The time for these measures is coming to a close, the West must prepare for consequences.

Nathan Hall, Armidale, Australia (NSW)

You might find that western countries have similar 'unfavorable views' of America most likely in similar percentages.

Rod Kington, Sydney, Australia

The idea that Muslim radicals have much 'more in common with their moderate brethren than is commonly assumed' is not new. Many people have said that the failure of the majority of the so called moderate Muslim community to condemn many of the terrorist atrocities that have taken place has shown this all along. I'm afraid that the west's idea of the 'moderate muslim' does not apply to the majority of muslims as many believe, but to a minority of muslims. In reality, any action taken by non-muslims against muslims, however justified, is going to be condemed as an attack against their own. This is a type of religious moral nepotism and explains the findings about attitudes to the west and the U.S. in particular. It also explains the Muslim outcry when anti-terrorist operations take place in this country. You only have to watch any mainstream muslim TV channel in a muslim country to understand that the mainstream can not be classed as 'moderate' by western standards.

J W Randall, Edinburgh,

It's unfair to say that Muslims around the world hate America, when it's mostly Middle-Eastern Muslims that are anti-American. We Americans aren't looking at the hostility from both sides. We assume that this hate is unprovoked, as if WE would have been OK with the creation of Israel, in the middle of OUR region. We act like our bad foreign policy over the years has nothing to do with thier resentment. When you try to push your way of life on a society that is thousands of years older than your society, you should end up with these results. We've sold weapons to and done deals with most of these countries in the past, then hate them when they don't 'go with our flow.' We've helped some of these countries, such as Iran, go to war with other countries in the region. We defend Israel like we're forgetting that its a created country. That false country, and our policy has been helping to increase their Anti-American ratings ever since. Plus, world resents us, not just Muslims.

Tutt, Detroit, MI

The USA has interfered in morally indefensible ways in many countries including some predominantly Muslim states and under the current government shows little regard for anything other than narrow perceived national interest. The USA has been clumsy: almost every aspect of the War on Terror has been ill conceived and counterproductive.

However it is the attitude of some Americans persons, as evidenced in some of the comments posted here, that will continue to inflame the situation. America needs to get more perspective on how it is seen in the world: a superpower now in relative economic decline will struggle to shrug off its excesses post WWII unless it develops some awareness and some humility. Therein lies the big backfire.

Andy, London, UK

Peace be to all of you

We will never seperate our religion from our state. We are "living dead" without our religion. Liberalism, Freedom of Speech and equal opportunity. These became your values just 100 years ago. These are our values for the last 1400 years.

Abubucker, Bangalore, INDIA

All of these convoluted 'findings' boil down to the following: There is no 'moderate' Islam. There is great support among Muslims for the 'extremists' because 'extremists' accurately interpret the religion.

The lesson for the West is that this is not a battle for hearts and minds: We have lost that battle. It is a confrontation between two absolutely opposed value systems. The question is not how to reach the elusive "moderate" Muslims, but whether we - the West - will appease Islam or stand up for our civilizational values?

David, Baghdad, Iraq

T convert to Islam round 2003. First it a simple religion compare to alots of other. Muslim woman nornal are not force to wear the headscraf or veil or the other Islamict clothes. They have rights which no western woman have, they know they cannot be the same as man and many donot want to be like a man they want to be a woman instead. They donot hate man like the western fermmist do
with they man dasthing. There is seperation between man and woman but it isnot absolute.

DefenderofIslam, El Paso,

IF, among the moslems, there is so much American hatred, Christian hatred, Jewish hatred........then DO NOT come to my country of the United States of America!!! Why? First of all, because it is a country founded on Christian-Judeo principles and we DO have what is called an American culture--sure it evolves through the years, but it has served us quite well as we are the most civilized country in the world.......IF you do NOT like my country, then leave, ALL OF YOU!! Do NOT try to change my country! Do NOT try to get rid of my religous symbols, do NOT try to take away my religious holidays AND do NOT try to sway my children and all the children of America or anyone else to join you in this militant jihad of islam. GET OUT RIGHT NOW! Pack your bags and burkas and your korans and get out!! Signed---a US citizen, believer in Jesus and Mary, and supporter of human dignity and LIFE--as we have known it in our country for more than 200 years!!

Linda Scharff, Aviano, Italy

Saudi Arabia? Ally. Jordan? Ally. Pakistan? Ally.

So three close allies in the War on Terror have higher anti-American ratings than Iran?

I'm sure American and/or Israel air strikes can help get Iranian anti-Americanism up beyond even that of the Saudis.

Call it restoring the balance.

I hope everyone advocating airstrikes on Iran realises that bombing that country is going to unite the entire nation behind its extremist leaders, and destroy all the good work being down by Western-friendly Iranians trying to bring their country into the world community.

Darryl Mason, Sydney, NSW, Australia

The war on terror was in response to Muslims flying planes into buildings and killing 3000 innocent people.
They now use the excuse of our response to try to justify their violent religion.

john, boston, usa

Radicalization was present before the War on Terror. Islam needs to get its house in order. Blaming America for the backwardness isn't going to help Muslims.

M. Fernandez, San Francisco,

They were radical in their viewpoints even before 9/11. The war on their militant element has just flushed out previously passive supporters. While our "unfavorable" numbers may be up among the mideast mainstream, they were very high to begin with. Until their political, social, and religious culture open up, and they separate mosque from state, their indoctrinated public opinion will continue to hate us.

Phil, Woburn, MA

"The first reaction to truth is hatred." -- Tertullian

As that does tend to be true, America should be commended for taking the first steps to actually solving anything . It's a lot like telling a drunk that he's got a problem. It's not about popularity.

RoyE, Minnesota, USA

I wonder how many westerners have an "unfavourable" view of Muslims?

Here's one, for starters.

Jack, Austin, TX

No real surprise here. I'm old enough to remember the 1960's and 1970's when the children of the professional middle classes adopted the language of class revolution and tried to pretend that they were the voice of the 'workers.' I remember the looks of shock and disbelief amongst the few who actually bothered to talk (I want to say to but should say at) the working classes only to discover that the concerns of the working classes were not the same as what the middle class believed. Also in the 1960's and 1970's socialism and Marxism gave lots of schooled but uneducated young men an excuse for violence and the chance to belief that they could change the world.

I would understand radical Islamism in the same way, it's an excuse for middle class young men to rebel and be violent whilst at the same time indulge in misogynistic fantasies. I believe it will eventually fizzle out or will eventually do something horrible and will be utterly crushed. I hope the former.

Kevin Smith, Birmingham, UK

Muslims have not garnered much popularity either. I have yet to see an opinion poll detailing admiration for Saudi Arabia or Iran. Perhaps we should go our separate ways and build walls of steel around our societies. The current situation seems unsustainable and highly unpopular.

TomTom, Leeds, UK

In response to Norm Conant's comment, spoken like a true American.

Abdul Motin, London,

Norm from GA, it is exactly that kind of thinking that is making the US lose the so-called "war" on terror. That total lack of understanding of (and interest about) the beliefs and way of reasoning of those antipathetic to the US is dooming the world to a conflict in which we all lose.
What the poll shows, above all, is the inner complexity of the Muslim world and therefore the need to avoid alienating the moderate majority even further by turning things into wars of religion. Talking about "The Muslim" is, besides gramatically offensive, politically and ideologically self-defeating. Unless the US- and the West more generally- wants to live in perpetual fear of where the next suicide bomber will hit, it'll need to make a much better effort at understanding the reasons behind this poll's figures.

Daniel, London, UK

Headline: War on Terror radicalizes Muslim society.
However, the body of the article provides no evidence tying the war on terror to radicalization. It appears the editor (most likely) or journalist read into the survey what they wanted to find rather than accurately summarizing the data. Two of the five countries highlighted showed decreases in unfavorable views of the U.S. (not necessarily anti-Americanism), one of which is Iran. It is quite interesting that Iran shows an 11% drop, even though it is the subject of tough American talk. I recommend the editor actually read the article before coming up with the headline.

Craig McColloch, Austin, Texas

If you look at all the trouble in the world today, a very large percentage comes from Islam. The West better learn that Muslims have been fighting other religions since 700 AD, and cannot tolerate another religion. They still call us crusaders.
Lloyd O. Wa

Lloyd Hockett, Sequim, USA Wa

I don't give a darn what the mainstream Muslim feels about America, I'm tired of everyone, including American Liberals, blaming us for everything bad in the world. We didn't start this mess by bombing innocent people witgh suicide bombs, hijacking airplanes, bomb ing buildings, etgc., etc., etc . If The Muslim doesn't like the way we are feeling about him, let HIM be the one to make amends, apologize, and earn our respect and our trust.

Enough!

Norm Conant, Valdosta, GA