By Dawn's Early Light

A View of America from Abroad (Part I)

The Pew Global Attitudes Project has released their annual survey on world opinions regarding the United States.  This annual survey over the past 3 years (the survey has run longer) has sampled anywhere from 6 to 44 nations ranging 5,520 responses to as many as 38,263.  This year's survey sampled 16,766 people from 16 nations.

The nations included are predominately from Europe with China and India representing the non-Muslim Asian countries and a collection of Muslim countries from the Middle East to Pakistan and Indonesia.

The responses are an improvement from last year's survey, but not by much.  However, there is significant data to be mined in the study.

India

US diplomacy in South East Asia is paying off.  Even with the US sale of F-16s to Pakistan, 71% of Indians had a favorable view of the United States.  This is striking given their multi-religious emerging democratic society and bodes well for future relations between to the two countries.  Additionally, US support after the December 2004 tsunami left 54% of India's citizens with a more favorable view of the US as well.

The survey also looked at three overall positive attributes of the United States (along with 4 negative traits) and ranked perceptions.  81% of India's population view Americans as "Hardworking" (5th highest view), 86% as "Inventive" (1st of 16) and 58% as "Honest" (2nd of 16). 

With respect to the negative attributes, India sees America as significantly less "Greedy" than Americans do at 43% vs. 70%.  Only 39% of India sees Americans as "Violent" compared to 49% in the States.  For being "Rude," India's people thought Americans rude at 27% compared to domestically at 35%, a rather good outcome, especially considering all of the India call centers that have to deal with frustrated Americans regularly.  On "Immorality" the Indian consensus was 36% to 39% in America.

The highest result for a foreign nation believing that US foreign policy is concerned about others was from India with 63% answering in the affirmative compared with only 26% who answered "no". 

The only country to name the US as their top rated foreign country to go to "to lead a good life" was India, with 38% of respondents opting for the States, a higher percentage overall than any other destination for any nation's respondents.

Strikingly, Indians and Americans have almost identical views in what influences American foreign policy, ranking them in order for both nations: 1) News Media (40% US - 36% India), 2) Business/Corporations (23% -21%), 3) the Military (7% - 6%), 4) Jews (1% - 2%), 5) Conservative Christians (6% - 5%), 6) Liberals (2% - 2%) and 7) Ordinary Americans (13% - 4%) the largest difference. 

On the issue of Iraq, India topped the list as the country that most believed that the world was safer without Saddam, 45% to 26%, ahead of even American views.

On protecting the environment, Indians gave the US its highest ranking from foreign nations.

While most of the responses from the Indians were pro-US, this one statistic stands in sharp contrast.  Would the world be better if "Another Rivaled U.S. Military Power"?  81% of Indians said "yes" while only 15% said "no".  This could be in large part to a history of US support of Pakistan that has only been further highlighted because of the War on Terror.  Additionally, 45% of Indians believe that China becoming a military rival to the US is a positive development.  This could be explained from two perspectives, the first being that Indians are comfortable with growing Chinese power in the region.  However, I suspect a second perspective is a more realist approach from the Indians.  A rising China only increases the value of a strategic US-Indian partnership that would cover economic, military and political areas of mutual support that would further India's strategic and economic importance. 

Overall, the study does point to Bush Administration successes in reaching out to India. 

In my next part of this series I will address US and French views of each other.  They are not what would be expected and point to some positive areas of diplomatic growth in the relationship.

Tax Day in America

Not my favorite day.  I am all for rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar's, but it doesn't make for a fun day. 

To cheer you up, here is a good Victor Davis Hanson piece "Our Not-So-Wise Experts".  Thank you to reader Larwynn for pointing it out.

I hope to do some research into the effect of oil prices on the American and world economy and some of the long-term strategic implications.  If you have some good references, please email them.

The Politics of Death for Democrats and Republicans

Mickey Kaus, who I respect for his centrist reasoning on many issues and witty writing, has the best advice for Democrats, that they failed to take here.

"This 2003 item summarizes what I think about the Schiavo case. ... Opposition to the Florida court's ruling seems like a legitimate protest against what appears to be a disingenuous machinery of euthanasia lawyers are busy establishing under the guise of a "right to die" (a right Terry Schiavo can only be said to be exercising by an extremely suspect chain of reasoning). ... Our society is going to have to have this out at some point--why not now? And why isn't it a perfectly reasonable issue for the national legislature to address? ... P.S.: Emailer R.H. writes:

After the election, several Dems talked about extending some kind of olive branch to the religious right ...[snip] ... Isn't this a great opportunity for the Dems to make a symbolic gesture to pro-lifers that wouldn't hurt anybody except Terri Schiavo's creepy husband? But instead, Dems are once again telling the right -- in a swing state, no less -- to shut up and obey the courts ...."

Though Peggy Noonan of the WSJ editorial pages had an admonition for her own Republican party here:

" A final note to the Republican leadership in the House and Senate: You have to pull out all the stops. You have to run over your chairmen if they're being obstructionist for this niggling reason and that. Run over their egos, run past their fatigue. You have to win on this. If you don't, you can't imagine how much you're going to lose. And from people who have faith in you.

Bill Frist and Tom DeLay and Jim Sensenbrenner and Denny Hastert and all the rest would be better off risking looking ridiculous and flying down to Florida, standing outside Terri Schiavo's room and physically restraining the poor harassed staff who may be told soon to remove her feeding tube, than standing by in Washington, helpless and tied in legislative knots, and doing nothing.

Issue whatever subpoena, call whatever witnesses, pass whatever emergency bill, but don't let this woman die."

In this case, where a family wants their loved one alive and a husband who wants her dead, and no clear proof of what Ms. Terri Schiavo wants, Dawn's Early Light says: "Choose Life."  No? Isn't the alternative irrevocable?  It seems so clear that I can't fathom what the judges are confused about.

Blog Pool - Deconstructing France

It was fitting that Secretary Rice visited France last.  French obstructionism has been a significant thorn in the side of the Bush administration.  Completing a successful trip, Rice ends her first diplomatic tour in France.  While there was plenty of substance in the press remarks between Dr. Rice and French Foreign Affairs Minister Michel Barnier, Mr. Barnier's introduction was far more telling.  Let us deconstruct where France finds itself in a post-Iraqi election world dominated by the Americans.

Minister Barnier: Welcome to each one of you, ladies and gentlemen, and after this meeting that Condoleezza Rice has just had with the head of state, Jacques Chirac, the coincidence of our timetables what we have, in fact, with Condi Rice been traveling more or less along the same routes.  She spent the night in Rome. I spent the night in Gaza and all roads lead, almost, I would say, to Paris, which is where we meet again tonight. And I am extremely pleased, Dear Condi, to welcome you here on behalf of the French Government after meeting with the president of the French Republic.

Could one imagine Rice saying that all roads lead to Washington, D.C. or to New York?  It is the French sense of loss of their status in the world that would lead Minister Barnier to make such a silly comparison to "all roads leading to Rome".  While it was said to be funny, I am sure, it comes off arrogant.

Minister Barnier: In this house, where so many important things have occurred, even in this room that we call the clock room -- you can see it here -- because it's in this very room, and I often say it -- on that photograph you can see Robert Schuman and Jean Monnet in front of that mantelpiece. And they were the first to launch the quest to create the European Community with the heart and steel -- community and they got six European countries to mutualize their efforts and resources so as to get together, stronger together.

Mr. Barnier, rather than looking forward to what France has done, can only look back to what France has achieved by being a part of the creation of the European Community, which has become the European Union with 25 members.  This is where France is placing its future hope, as a counterbalance to US hegemony.  Yet his comments are rooted in what France was and not what it is today.

Minister Barnier: Your being here is one of those important events for the Quai D'Orsay. Your movements have been long expected in your important function that you've taken over after the reelection of President George Bush.

"Your movements have been long expected" is odd.  Movements are usually part of a game, such as chess, to be anticipated and countered. 

Our two countries, Dear Condi, are the most ancient allies, the one for the other.  Even more, we have never been at war. Never. And I often quote this phrase of a compatriot, who, after the Second World War was telling you, you, the Americans, we have helped you in your birth some time ago. You helped us not to die. 

Would PM Tony Blair state that the US and the UK are "ancient allies"? No, because it is understood by actions.  The French have to look back to 1776 at the birth of the United States to demonstrate support, and this was done to counter the British, not from some altruistic motive.  While it is a touching line, it alone, nor with the rest of Mr. Barnier's words, does anything to address the deep diplomatic divide.

France not only disagreed with the United States over Iraq, but fought hard to thwart US intentions while supporting and possibly profiting from a notoriously evil regime.

France, aligning itself first with Germany, now must find itself even more isolated in a larger Europe that has seen the desire of the Iraqi people to determine their own destiny and not take direction and platitudes from the Quai D'Orsay.

Blog Pool - Starting Fresh with Pres. Abbas

Secretary Rice met, on February 6th, after her visit first with Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, newly elected President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian people.  For the first time since the early 1990s, there is the possibility and hope for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians. 

Everything has meaning in diplomacy, and Sec. Rice's visit and President Abbas' comments are no exception:

President Abbas: "I would like to tell her, you are in the right place."

President Abbas is signaling to the Bush Administration that he would like the US to be more engaged in the process and to invest personal and political capital to bring about a Palestinian state sooner than later.  I think it also signals that President Abbas believes he can be the partner that Arafat proved, tragically for his countrymen, not to be with the Americans.  He continues:

"I would also like to take this opportunity to ask for the continuation of assistance in issues related to the issue of settlements, the wall, as well as those issues related to Jerusalem. We thank the American administration for its involvement in the issue of the Absentee Property Law. For our part, we have said and still say, and have worked and still work toward fulfilling our obligations concerning the Road Map, and we hope that the Israeli side will likewise fulfill its obligation, because this is the only way to realize President Bush’s two-state vision of establishing an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state next to the State of Israel, as well as peace and tranquility. Also, we have started the reform process, including financial, economic, legal and other reforms, and we are continuing on this path in order to lay a steady foundation for building the Palestinian state."

I love that President Abbas opened with this thought.  He opens with what he wants of Israel, their issues with respect to: 1) Israeli settlements 2) the security wall and 3) the partition of Jerusalem.  These are all important and complex issues.  But look where he goes next.  He spends more time talking about where he has moved his government and where he wants to lead it.  He speaks of the Road Map with a desire to meet, from a Palestinian perspective, his obligations in order to receive a state in return for his people.  He speaks of a Palestinian state and Israel at a state of "peace and tranquility".  Can you imagine Arafat making this claim in sincerity or even at all?

Secretary Rice responded the following day at a press conference, saying of both sides:

"We are very encouraged by the initial steps that the Palestinian leadership has taken on security, toward the restoration of law and order, and in establishing the basis for a cease-fire. We have also been assured by President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority’s intention to bring justice to those who murdered three American personnel in the Gaza in 2003. We are encouraged, too, by the Israeli reaction to the Palestinian steps on security. Working together, the parties have created a very positive atmosphere for tomorrow’s important summit."

There are many other very important elements in the Q & A session between the two that are worth exploring further, including Hamas winning local elections, Egypt, negotiating a cease-fire, the US pledge of $40 million extra in assistance and an American General (Lt. Gen. William Ward) as special envoy to the Palestinians. 

I am glad to see Secretary Rice directly involved, and I think the trip will produce a new opportunity for peace, affirmation of democratic ideals, and a reminder of US leadership in the Middle East.

Blog Pool - Trying to Keep up with Condi

(Note to readers: I am about a day and a half behind filing my "stories" for Blog Pool.  I am working hard to catch up on Condi's important visits to Europe and the Middle East). 

Secretary of State Rice's comments with Prime Minster Sharon were brief prior to their February 6 meeting.  However there are two items from both individuals:

Prime Minister Sharon: "Welcome Madam Secretary, you are among friends here."

Secretary Rice: "I bring greetings to you from President Bush, and I just want to say that of course the relationship between the United States and Israel is based on such a firm foundation because we share not just interests but values.  I look forward to working with you to try to advance the cause of peace and to overcome the scourge of terrorism."

PM Sharon is subtle with the "you are among friends here" line, but it is true isn't it?  Is there another country in the Middle East that is as pro-America as Israel? 

Because of the Judeo-Christian values shared by both countries, the strong traditions of democracy and mutual support, Dr. Rice returns a subtle comment to PM Sharon, speaking about a deeper relationship that has not only mutual interests but rooted values.

Blog Pool - Remembering the Children

Following Secretary Rice's visit to Turkey, she left for Israel, America's closest ally and friend in the Middle East.  An important stop in her trip was to the Yad Yashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem.  Upon signing the guest book at the Children's portion of the museum, she remarked:

I want to say to those who have put together this remarkable memorial at Yad Vashem, that it does indeed call us to remember the six million who perished, each individually and collectively, to honor those who survived and those who lived to build the Jewish state of Israel. And also it obligates us to be certain that good men and women never again fail to act and to say: We shall never forget and never again.

It is important for the US to identify and remember the holocaust, its horror upon millions of Jews and other victims of the Nazis, especially as Europe's sense of responsibility is apparently dimming.  Secretary Rice, from her own personal experiences growing up in the segregated South, realizes the problems of hate and bigotry.  She was additionally the friend of one of the 4 girls who were murdered in a Birmingham church fire because of their skin color.  Secretary Rice's identification with the children, the most innocent of innocents, in the holocaust is moving. 

Her call to remember both individually and collectively is powerful as well.  Through individual stories of the holocaust we can begin to grasp the evil that totalitarianism inflicted on a massive scale upon its own citizens.  While fascism and communism are defeated, Islamic fanaticism taps into the same hate.  Western nations that forget the past and pretend that good and evil are only naive religious ideas are in danger of allowing another holocaust if terrorism goes unchecked.

UPDATE: PowerPundit has a good link, "Condi Ignores Arafat's Grave".  Speaks volumes doesn't it?

UPDATE 2: Thanks to Roger for the link. 

Blog Pool - Handling Turkey

Secretary Rice spent yesterday in Ankara, Turkey, an important NATO ally that links Europe and the Middle East.  Turkey refused to allow the US Army (4th Infantry Division) access to Iraq during the Second Gulf War, which damaged relations.

However, Turkey is a democratic nation that the US has long supported by encouraging the EU to allow it into its ranks.  The US also defended Turkey against Russian encroachment during the Cold War.

Here are some of the key public comments made by Secretary Rice and Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul:

Dr. Rice: "...We had an opportunity to talk about our hopes for the broader Middle East: a Middle East of reform and opportunity, a Middle East in which democracy flourishes and which there are transparent governments. We talked about the special role that Turkey can play in that initiative, and our joint desires for a Middle East in which all people live in freedom and liberty and prosperity. "

Foreign Minister Gul: "Turkey and the United States are two allies for quite a very long time, and they are not only allies in military issues, but they are also allies in cultural and commercial issues as well. Our relationship is based on common values, and one important common value for the two countries is democracy. Of course, the two allies will always be cooperating and will be in close collaboration in the fields of peace and prosperity, economic development, and the struggle against terrorism.

And I would just say to the countries of the Middle East that we recognize, and President Bush recognized when he was at Whitehall in Great Britain, that for too many years administrations, Democratic and Republican, were not sufficiently attentive to the aspirations of the people of the Middle East to live in freedom and liberty."

Secretary Rice, in her comments is encouraging not only democratic reform but "transparent governments."  It may be that Ms. Rice's comments were aimed at Turkey's refusal to create an independent anti-corruption unit, as recommended by the EU, while Turkey has been making other types of overtures to placate the Europeans.

The Foreign Minister of Turkey has a good point at the end, that the United States (and Europe, for that matter) has not always stressed strongly enough the value of personal liberty and freedom in the Middle East. The Bush administration is changing that and forcefully so.

Blog Pool - Can You Find This Post in the WP?

I can't.  Performing a search of the Washington Post on Secretary Rice turns up an article on her love of football.  While an interesting article, it has nothing of her important comments on the lack of Russian democracy.  For a good article that quotes Dr. Rice, I had to travel across the Atlantic to read Britain's The Telegraph:

"Condoleezza Rice, the newly appointed US Secretary of State, last night signaled a hardening of relations with Moscow."

Compare this to the New York Times, which at least covered her visit (though failed to report the substantive quotes from it):

"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told a top Russian envoy Saturday that Moscow's crackdown on dissent was making Russian-American relations 'more difficult,' a State Department official said. But Ms. Rice also signaled in public that the United States would not try to isolate Russia because of its actions."

The Telegraph gives these key quotes from Dr. Rice:

"It is important that Russia make clear to the world that it is intent on strengthening the rule of law, strengthening the role of the independent judiciary, permitting a free and independent press to flourish. These are all basics of democracy.

Everyone wants Russia to be a prosperous, democratic state that is fully integrated, and there are many signs that Russia has the same vision of the future."

Reading the two publications give an extremely different view of the US approach and rebuke of Russia.  I will wait for the State Department's transcript release (about two days behind usually) to judge for myself which daily is more on the mark.

Putting aside the difference of reporting, Dr. Rice's glowing comments on Poland stand in stark contrast to her comments on Russia:

"I would just highlight that Poland’s role in continuing to promote democracy has helped with the Ukrainians, is helping the Iraqis, is helping the Afghans, is enormously important. It is also clear that as the Palestinian-Israeli process moves forward that we are hopeful that Poland, as a country that has good relations with both parties, will be able to play a constructive role in helping in the capacity of building the new Palestinian state in that area. And we talked about some possibilities there."

Clearly, Poland and Russia have many similarities, being post-communist countries dealing with a change to a global capitalist economy and further integration into Europe.  It is unfortunate that Vladimir Putin is taking Russia in an anti-democratic direction.

Kudos to Dr. Rice for candid talk concerning democracy and publicly advancing the democratic theme of President Bush's second inaugural address.  It is regrettable that better coverage of Dr. Rice's important travel and comments abroad cannot be found domestically in the United States.

Blog Pool - Thanking our New Allies

Secretary Rice's next stop after Berlin was Warsaw to thank our Polish ally.  She met with Prime Minister Marek Belka and thanked Poland for its sacrifice in Iraq (Poland has contributed over 2,500 soldiers to the effort).

It is important that Rice went to Poland, and hopefully the State Department will treat Poland as a full-fledged American ally and allow them to be a part of our Visa Waiver Program like these 27 nations.  Poland is an important stop for these reasons:

• Home of the Solidarity movement during the Cold War, Poland understands how vital freedom is to those who are denied it.
• Poland is a rising US ally in Europe with more traditional conservative values that are in many ways closer to our own than Western Europe's.
• Poland played a vital role in supporting the Orange Revolution in the Ukraine and, with its Western-looking focus, will help pull the Ukraine and the EU closer together, acting as a bridge between them, away from the increasingly more non-democratic Russia.
• Poland is a model for governments that are transitioning from totalitarian, centralized rule to democratic, capitalist governments that are responsible to their citizens.

Poland was divided by the Germans and Russians at the outset of the Second World War, and Britain, her defender, was too late and unable to come to her rescue.  The horrible acts inflicted by the Nazis and Soviets on Poland and subsequent communist rule leaves Poland with a sharper memory of the pain of tyranny and a natural US ally in Europe, NATO, and beyond.  Secretary Rice was right to give Poland the respect it deserves with a visit to Warsaw.