Pew Poll Shows Arab Spring Fails to Improve US Image

A new poll conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that the United States remains unpopular in key Arab and Muslim countries, as it has remained for a decade. President Barack Obama is viewed unfavorably in all countries polled with the exception of Indonesia. The Arab Spring has correctly reflected regional enthusiasm for democracy, which is generally viewed as the best form of government. However, the poll shows that people favor strong economic growth to political liberalization. Israelis remain divided over the democratic potential of the uprisings. In Jordan, Egypt and Pakistan, solid majorities support of civic law based on Islamic jurisprudence. However, this is a minority view in Turkey, Lebanon, Indonesia and the Palestinian territories. Extremism remains unpopular as well. The poll was conducted prior to the killing of Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.