LONDON -- A recent rise in support here for the war against Iraq adds another facet to the complicated perception of the United States overseas.
According to a Guardian Unlimited poll dated Nov. 18., overall approval ratings for combat operations in Iraq have jumped by almost 10 percent. The poll was conducted prior to President George W. Bush's recent official visit to London.
In the poll, 62 percent of people said they believe the United States is a force of good in the world, and 47 percent of respondents approve of the Iraq war. Conversely, 15 percent of those polled believe the United States is an "evil empire," while 41 percent disapprove of the war.
"Contrary to propaganda from the anti-war group, opinion polls are on the rise," said Michael Hurst, politics professor and fellow of St. John's College, Oxford University. "Figures for support of the war are larger than reported because conservatives -- who are largely pro-American -- do not want to benefit Prime Minister Blair directly."
Hurst also cited the effectiveness of British Army operations in Iraq as the source of greater public approval.
"The conditions in Southern Iraq, Basra in particular, under British occupation are generally settled," Hurst said. "The opinion of most young men in England is to eliminate terror by force. It is a form of healthy masculine energy revealing itself."
Despite growing support among citizens, protestors have made their positions known throughout the country, especially during Bush's recent visit to London. It was estimated that close to 100,000 people turned up to march in protest of the president's policies.
"The media tried to portray a huge negative reaction to Bush visiting the UK," said Daniel Taylor, a third-year Geography major at St. Catherine's College, Oxford University. "It's all spin. People want to see Bush as a scapegoat for a decision that Blair made."
Taylor cited the lack of a referendum on the decision to go to war as a source of irritation among many students.
"Some people were just annoyed at not being consulted," Taylor said. "Still, I haven't met any students who were vocally pro-war.It's divided into two groups -- those who are apathetic and are just concentrating on getting a job and the others who are strongly against it."
Taylor also stressed the nature of protests in the United Kingdom.
"It's anti-American in terms of being against policy," he said. "We love Americans."
Some Americans choosing to study abroad said they have witnessed forms of anti-Americanism while traveling.
"I haven't experienced any towards myself as an individual, but I have definitely seen it here," said Stephen Ogden, a Rhodes College, Tenn. student studying abroad at Oxford. "I think the boycott of Madeline Albright's visit to Border's bookstore [in Oxford] was fairly characteristic because she doesn't represent a pro-war position, yet she was being protested as representing the American government per se."
Ogden added that he did not feel uncomfortable even in the midst of protests.
"I do think the protests were painted as if they would be more extreme than they actually were," he said.
Despite rumblings from peace activists in the United Kingdom, relations with the United States remain solid.
"The Anglo-American alliance has been strong for years," Hurst said. "Since September 11 nothing very new has emerged. However, the British have shown that they would rather be external to the EU than internal."
Read More
Students have federal internship offers rescinded due to hiring freeze
By Nina Broderick | 16 hours agoUntil July 15, no presently vacant federal civilian positions may be filled, and no new positions may be created.
Man dies from self-inflicted gunshot wounds at the Rotunda
By Ford McCracken | 21 hours agoThe investigation is ongoing, and additional details are not available at this time.
Virginia primary elections feature contested race for Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate
By Nicolas Biernacki | YesterdayEligible voters can find more information about early voting by consulting the City Department of Voter Registration & Elections website or the County Department of Elections website.
