Why Does Anti-Americanism Linger in Turkey?
However, this personal popularity does not significantly improve the US’ image. The Bush administration’s damage does not seem to be rectifiable in a short time. According to Pew Research Center Polls the US favorability rate decreased to 9% in Bush’s term (2007) from 52% in 1999-2000.A May 2007 Gallup Poll indicated that 64% of Turkish people perceive the US as hostile to Turkey while only 5% see the US as friendly. The percentage viewing the US as friendly increased to 12% in 2008 and to 14% in 2009. Thus, it seems that Obama’s presidency did not significantly change the perceptions in Turkey. The favorability rates in Turkey are the lowest among 25 countries, most of which changed drastically after the Obama administration. For example, in France, one of the countries with high anti-American sentiments, the rates jumped to 75% from 42%. Obama’s first visit to Turkey and warm welcome to the Turkish PM in December may attract the attention of the pundit, and moreover, may influence hi
