'They hate us because of our policies' - Congressonal Study

[Douglas Carpenter]

By Agence France Presse (AFP)

link: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=93048

Thursday, June 12, 2008

"WASHINGTON: Anti-Americanism is at record levels thanks to US government policies such as the war in Iraq, and Washington's apparent hypocrisy in abiding by its own democratic values, a panel of US lawmakers said Wednesday. A House of Representatives committee report based on expert testimony and polling data reveals US approval ratings have fallen to record lows across the world since 2002, particularly in the Islamic world and Latin America.

It says the problem arises not from a rejection of US culture, values and power but primarily from its Washington's policies, such as backing authoritarian regimes while officially promoting democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

"Our physical strength has come to be seen not as a solace but as a threat, not as a guarantee of stability and order but as a source of intimidation, violence and torture," said Democrat Bill Delahunt, chairman of the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight. "

snip:"The report says that specific policies are to blame for falling approval ratings, notably the 2003 invasion and continuing occupation of Iraq, support for some repressive governments, what is referred to as a "perception" of bias in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, and the torture and abuse of prisoners. "

snip:"The committee also says unilateralism, particularly in military action, has led to "anger and a fear of attack that are transforming disagreements with US policy into a broadening and deepening anti-Americanism. "

link: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=93048

[Make7]

1. Then why is the government taking our freedoms away?

I thought they were protecting us...

-Make7

[Hieronymus]

2. No surprises, but a good article. The world hates our policies since 2002.

Now, who was president from then until now?

[Douglas Carpenter]

3. THANKS FOR THE RECOMMENDS!!!

[Douglas Carpenter]

4. one kick for the next shift

[tavalon]

5. No, no, no!

They hate us for our freedoms! :eyes:

[Douglas Carpenter]

6. another kick