Poll: Vast Majority of Pakistanis Oppose US Partnership- "The US Is Seen as an Occupying Force"

[Orwellian_Ghost]

Pakistanis Continue to Reject U.S. Partnership

By JANE PERLEZ
Published: September 30, 2009

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Even with the arrival of the Obama administration and the prospect of substantially increased aid, more Pakistanis — an overwhelming majority — continued to reject the United States as a partner to fight militancy in their country, a new poll finds.

The survey, conducted by the Washington-based International Republican Institute, underscored the difficulties the Obama administration faced in its efforts to tamp down Islamic militancy in this strategically vital nation. The I.R.I. is a nonprofit pro-democracy group which is financed by the American government.

...

A troubling aspect of the findings for the Obama administration, analysts said, was the significant increase in the rejection of the United States as a partner in the war against Islamic militants. According to the poll, 80 percent of the respondents said they were opposed to United States assistance in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, a 19 percentage-point increase since the last survey conducted by the institute in March.

...

The American military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq colored Pakistani views of the United States, Mr. Khan said. “The United States is seen as an occupying force and moving unilaterally against Muslim nations.”

...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/01/world/asia/01pstan.html?_r=2&emc=eta1

[AllentownJake]

1. I'm sure the drones flying over the north of their country

blowing shit up hasn't colored this.

[ProSense]

2. "The survey, conducted by the Washington-based International Republican Institute"

Initially known as the National Republican Institute for International Affairs, the IRI's stated mission is to expand what it interprets as freedom throughout the world. Its activities include teaching and assisting with political party and candidate development, good governance practices, civil society development, civic education, women’s and youth leadership development, electoral reform and election monitoring, and political expression in closed societies. It is chaired by Senator John McCain;<2> notable board members include Paul Bremer, Brent Scowcroft and Chuck Hagel.

<...>

The IRI operates as a political organization abroad, providing training and assistance to political parties. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, it plays no part in domestic U.S. politics. However, the majority of its board, staff and consultants are drawn from the Republican Party,<1> just as its sister organization, the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, draws from the Democratic Party.

link

Do you read things with a critical eye before posting?

[Orwellian_Ghost]

3. So what?

Are you saying the poll is invalid?

NY Times isn't exactly a radical source and it is not exactly a surprise that the invading force is seen as an invading force by the locals. But hey keep on defending naked imperialism if it's what you do.