National Security Online Resource Center

Those who claimed that the world would look at America very differently under Obama might be surprised at the new poll released by Gallup (thanks to Ricky Tracy for the link). The results show some improvement in American standings but hardly enough to meet the high expectations of the President’s supporters.

The biggest increase came in the three North African states of Tunisia, Egypt and Algeria, while the biggest drop came in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. Support for the United States in the territories dropped from 13% to 7% and in Lebanon from 25% to 22%. American support of Israel during the Gaza is the likely reason for the drop.

The poll was taken on the eve of the President’s first trip to the Arab world where he will deliver a public address in Cairo. The president’s symbolism and rhetoric will surely draw a crowd but it remains to be seen whether he will say anything of significance. Many want to hear the President demand that the Arab world democratize. Others will want him to say that America will stay out of Arab internal affairs. Still others want him to abandon America’s support for Israel and demand a homeland for the Palestinians. Given these constraints, Obama, the charmer-in-chief, will have his hands full as he must finally take a stance in the complex web of Arab politics.