Thursday, December 3, 2009

Obama Boosts US Image in Latin America

As domestic criticism heats up for President Obama, the US leader might want to consider a vacation to the friendly confines of Latin America. Following the abysmal record of his predecessor, Obama's tenure as US president has led to increased goodwill towards to the US throughout the region.

The most interesting tidbits from the Gallup survey collected between July and September:

  • In Honduras, after the coup but before a failed deal to return Zelaya to power, 65% approved of Obama's job performance

  • Paraguay, not exactly the most high-profile American partner, is deeply ambivalent about the US relationship - with a majority declining to give an opinion on Obama's performance

  • Venezuelans aren't entirely convinced by Chavez's rhetoric that the US empire is leading them to war with Colombia, with 50% approving of US leadership

  • Overall, 42% of Latin Americans expect US ties with the region to strengthen in the coming years

  • Who knows, the president may even take the news to mean he should plan a stay at the Caracas Hilton. Oops, I mean the Alba Caracas...

    Image Source: Gallup
    Online Sources: Gallup, Examiner, BBC, Guardian

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