Image problems hamper US on goals abroad

December 31st, 2005 at 13:57 Björn Hallberg

Or in other words, the US has run into a bit of a snag dictating to other countries how to conduct their affairs as to best suit the interests of the US. To say that America has “image problems” is a bit of an understatement and implies that it is something that can be fixed with a skilled team of PR experts and slippery marketing consultants rather than any real policy change. As if people really only have the wrong idea about the US. Which is again why we hate your arrogant style.

CSM - Stopping Iran’s nuclear program. Limiting the growing influence of an increasingly authoritarian Russia over the former Soviet empire. Making more friends than enemies in the Arab world.
Those are just some of the major foreign policy challenges the Bush administration will confront next year. But to do that, experts say, it must shake off the legacy of 2005 - a year aimed at rebuilding America’s bridges to the world that instead kept the US in the diplomatic doghouse.

Also, they see the appointment of proven liar and disinformation expert Karen Hughes as a nod in the right direction. She thinks that “promoting American ideals abroad is more difficult that she anticipated.” Meaning people call your bluffs. Well, you could start by telling the truth. That usually helps.

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