Although not completely unexpected, a poll conducted in May by the non-partisan Pew Research Center, indicated that the successful and relatively quick war in Iraq has widened, not narrowed, the rift between the U.S. and the rest of the world. The rift is particularly deep among Muslim nations, but has also widened to include far-flung nations such as Nigeria and Indonesia.

In addition, although Europe’s image of the U.S. has improved since a poll done in March, it is still far below what it was last year. More interestingly, this poll shows a significant loss of faith in two major international institutions—the United Nations and NATO. Majorities in several European countries favored a more independent approach to defense. Not a single country polled had a majority that believes the UN still plays a significant factor in solving international disputes.

Source: The International Herald Tribune