does the world hate us, as americans, for what is going on in iraq?

Question

i would really like responses from people other than americans on what their feelings are towards the US ans its citizens and why they feel that way

Answer 1

My perspective is that of a Canadian.

Iraq is really not the issue.

The world is made up of people who feel largely powerless.

The United States is recognized as being the most powerful force in the world.
They fear that power, as it seems to being used selfishly.

The US still has considerable goodwill others respect you for. Medicine, technology, entertainment, space age hope for a brighter future.

BUT the US has largely squandered this goodwill and especially so during the current administration.

Besides the great force for good America has historically been known for, Americans are being currently viewed as lazy, uneducated, arrogant and unsympathetic to the plights of people less well off.

It is okay to invade the occasional idiotic country, just be upfront enough with everyone the real reasons for doing so. And don't make a habit of it. And talk to your friends and allies will you?


Bush did not have to lie. If he had just said, "regime change for oil and revenge", the western world would have grumbled, but given you a pass. In much the way that Russia, France, China and the UK have gotten away with dirty deeds.

The Middle East on the other hand is probably a lost cause to America. Their way and your way are fundamentally different world views, and somewhat exclusive. They will probably always hate your power.

But then again, they hate their own powerful leaders too.
Hate is what they do best. Not everyone is going to love you, at least don't forget about your friends.

Answer 2

Sadly the reason is simple, President Bush Lied. That is one reason, now again sadly, you the American people are tarred with this reality. It is not fair and I for one try to differenciate between the U.S. Administration and its people. Americans are not bad people but unfortunately I do believe you are misled. Not just by Government (We all suffer that kind of nonsense) but the pundits and the pot stirrers. The truth is, America has made some very questionable decisions both in the past and more recently. Iraq is an excellent example. Consider what the pundits and GOP are saying about Saddam. He murdered his own people, he had weapons, he gased kurds in the north. All true, but pre tell where was the US anger when these things were happening? answer, the US needed Iraq to fight it's war with Iran, so a little genocide here or there was tolerated for the sake of expediency.

As well you must look at it from the perspective of the outside world, America lords itself as the great Democracy, yet has no qualms about supporting despots and dictators for the purpose of a base or some kind of consideration ie: Saudi Arabia (Where the 9-11 terrorists were from). This inconsistancy leads people to look at America as a hypocrit and worse a thug and a bully.

As well, America has time and again unilaterally acted and then laments that no one will support them. The truth is, nations like people, like to be treated with respect. You may not always like someone but you must be consistant. Put another way, if you are going to be completely certain and absolute on positions such as democracy, you must be ready to hold that course without wavering, but as I stated, too often America has turned a blind eye when it suits her. The people of these countries like Iraq or even Iran have long memories, they do not forget so easily the US involvement in their misery of the past.

America must own up to its mistakes and must not be afraid to admit weakness. There is no shame in this, but until America humbles itself or more accurately learns humility, it will continue to make the same errors leading others to hate them.

I am sorry for being so verbose, but it is not just a simple case of hating, there are reasons behind it. I for one care deeply for my American cousins and I worry where your country is going. Hopefully, if we survive the next few years we may see a new renaissance.

For the record I am from Canada.

Answer 3

A co-worker visited his grandfather in Iran. I asked him what the sentiments of the people there are towards Americans and he said that the educated Iranians really admire the US. It's the radicals that still shout "death to america" etc.
Not everyone hates the USA, many people from places where they are oppressed dream of coming to the USA where they can live a life of freedom. I don't think they 'hate' Americans as a whole but the way our Governments handles world affairs, such as our continued existance in Iraq, etc.

Answer 4

Hate? Some people do. But in my experience from travel to many countries it is a feeling of disappointment and disillusionment with America. Like a role model who has made a choice to not live up to his teaching. It is a broken trust. Also it is not only because Iraq. It is very sad...

I should mention I am from Japan.

Answer 5

i dont no what the world thinks but it is not us as americans it is our countries leader they hate ...but i have run into a few isreali's who recently move from isreal who say americans take things for granted and that they are a poor country and have to fight for everthing they get..so that is hwy overseas countrie hate the us in there opinions.i think the war in iraq has to be the worst there is because there are young men and women dyingand half of them just think we are fighting for oil.we are fighting for more than that we are fighting a war between the "bushes" this is a revenge war. bush say that marriage is a union between man and woman, if he read that much in the bible then he should also remember the quote grandmas around the world have said at least once "GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY"so i think they hate the us for this war but they hate bush more thats just my opinion.

Answer 6

I am a US citizen, so not sure this is the answer you are looking for, but I have heard from people in other countries that say "Everyone either loves or hates America, there is no in between. They see it as a paradise or a terrible country. " I also ran into an african gentleman from Kenya at the bar one night who moved to the states. When I asked him why, he said "Because America is wonderful..."

Answer 7

No, they either hate us because of their religion (in the case of Islam terrorists), or because they are misinformed. There are many people across the world that would do anything to live here and they risk their lives for it on occasion. You can't tell me those people hate America.

Answer 8

I think most of the world's people can distinguish between the American people and the actions of their government.

Answer 9

Sad for you.
You are a good people with a not so good Gov't policy.
But the policy exists to feed your greedy Lifestyle.

Answer 10

People where I am were on the fence with america...until they re-elected bush...so no, the world don't hate america...just George.