Criticisms of America

This website particularly stood out for me when it came to finding foreign views and criticisms of America as it gives very direct associations with how America contrasts to some of its European neighbours. The first segment sees a German foreign policy analyst in 2001 state that the reason that some countries are reluctant to befriend the US is because of America's vast accessability and wealth in terms of and including Universities, food, clothing and technology is so strong that no other country in the world can possibly equal it.
This view is interesting, but I do not believe that it is taking into account the quality of examples given, for example it is not considering the standard of education at these universities, or the overall pass rate of those who attend. Alternatively, the same goes for the usage or efficiency of technology in contrast with countries like Japan.
A report from BBC news in 2002 stated an opinion poll in Germany revealed that half the German population was critical of leadership in the US because of;
1. Failing to consult its allies as promised.
2. Its refusal to sign up to joint action against global warming.
3. Its protectionist stance on trade issues such as steel and agriculture.
The website then goes on to state that some Islamic nations feel they are being supressed and that the US has restricted them financially, commercially and politically, and now suspect that Washington is crusading against Islam, using recent events as a means of continuing christian oppression. Some believe that the American people have been decieved by their government.
Considering all statements, they suggest that America is seen as arrogant and to an extent somewhat abusing of its political powers to feed its own wealth and keep itself as economically far ahead from other countries as possible so that it cannot be challenged. The facts stated on Germany's criticisms of America are supported by the fact that they have been sourced both from the analyst and survey, however the suggestion of oppression and religious influence in conflict are only speculations from an unknown source and cannot be backed up.
The survey statistics reveal that half the German people feel that America is not pulling its own weight when it comes to cutting back on energy waste and combating climate change, and its refusals to sign targets in the past has left some feeling resentment against the US, considering that Germany is among those countries in the UN that have agreed to make cuts.

Website used: http://www.vexen.co.uk/USA/hateamerica.html