World Press Reaction to Gaza Aid Flotilla
THE TELEGRAPH: Israel's attack on the Gaza flotilla was the main story of newspapers around the world.



Under the headline "Complicated relationship with the US grows more so", The Washington Post said that incident, coming days before Mr Netanyahu was due to meet President Obama at the White House for what they term a "kiss and make up session", has cast a serious cloud over US-Israeli relations.

"The timing of the incident is remarkably bad for Israel and the United States," the paper said.

The New York Times reported on street protests erupting around the world under the headline: "After deadly raid at sea, Israel is sharply criticised".

In France, the right-wing Le Figaro held back from outright condemnation, taking a cautious tone under the headline "Israel isolated after assault off Gaza". >>> | Tuesday, June 01, 2010

The World Turns Against Our American Friends Because of Bush, Says Pew Institute Survey Co-Chaired by Madeleine Albright
TIMESONLINE: Global distrust of President Bush is mutating into an almost worldwide sentiment of antiAmericanism, according to the world’s most comprehensive poll of international opinion, published yesterday.

The Pew Institute’s survey of 45,239 people in 47 nations shows support for the US has dropped sharply among traditional allies in the West, including Britain, as well as substantial declines elsewhere in Latin America, Eastern Europe, China and the Middle East.

It found “a broad and deepening dislike of American values and a global backlash against the spread of American ideas” – although US technology and popular culture is still held in high regard.

Pluralities in most countries now express distaste for notions of democracy promoted by the US, blame it for contributing to global inequality and “hurting the world’s environment”, while also disliking the way American businesses operate. World crisis of confidence in Bush (more)

Mark Alexander