A Strategy to Improve a Negative American Image in the Middle East

Abstract

Abstract : The image today of the United States of America in the Middle East is extremely negative. It is based upon Arab perceptions of an inconsistent and biased United States Middle East foreign policy. This image is further exacerbated by the Arabic language media. Unfortunately America's image has dramatically worsened in the last four years. In April 2003 Business Week stated Hatred of American policies in the Arab world has never been higher. A negative image of the United States in the Middle East was also shared by United States allies in Europe. Lee Walczak of Business Week continued In every Western European country polls show that George W. Bush is seen as a greater threat to world peace than Saddam. Ironically the President of the United States of America was perceived to be a greater threat than a ruthless dictator who oppressed his own people. The Gallup polls showed by a 2-to-i margin in February 2003 that people in nine Islamic countries have an unfavorable image of the United States. These feelings amongst Arab countries are stronger today as the war in Iraq continues and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved. The United States must engage in a more skillful public relations campaign now. This paper will examine the Israeli and Palestinian conflict and the impact of Arab satellite television on American foreign policy as two reasons for the country's negative image and offer a strategy to improve our image in the Middle East.