(Global Research in International Affairs Center, IDC, Herzliya) Barry Rubin - Public opinion polls can be useful in countering myths. Gallup's latest poll measuring how Americans feel about different countries rates Israel 67% favorable and 25% unfavorable. Only one-fourth of those 25%, that is 6%, are really hostile. After 20 years or so of intensive media criticism, hostility on campuses, double standards, and controversy, that's nothing short of remarkable. At the same time, the PA receives constant good publicity in the media, campuses, and among policymakers as moderate and friendly to the U.S. Yet only 20% are favorable to the PA and a whopping 70% are negative. What about the idea that young people are steadily becoming more hostile to Israel? While 70% of those over 55 are favorable to Israel, that number only sinks to 63% for those between 18 and 34. Why does all this matter? It matters to members of Congress who are running for election in November and know that voters don't want to see them bash Israel.
2010-03-04 08:26:10Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive