RAISING
THE MUSLIM VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES

Topics: Assumptions; Compassion; Enemies; Feelings; Grudges; Islam; Judging Others; Kindness; Love; Outreach; Prejudice; Respect; Servanthood

References: Proverbs 25:21; Matthew 5:43–44; Luke 6:27–36; Romans 12:17–21

Humanitarian aid is an effective way to improve how Muslim countries view the United States of America. That’s what a poll conducted in January 2006 by the Terror Free Tomorrow organization showed.

In May 2003, research indicated that only 15 percent of people in Indonesia—the world’s most populous Muslim nation—had a favorable view of the United States. However, after the country was devastated by a tsunami in December 2004, humanitarian aid poured into the affected areas from the United States and other Western nations. As a result, the favorable view of the United States nearly tripled, jumping to 44 percent. What’s more, the well-respected Indonesian Survey Institute reported, “Support for bin Laden and terrorism has dropped to its lowest level since 9/11.” And Indonesians with a “very unfavorable” view of the United States fell to 13 percent—down from 48 percent prior to the tsunami.

—Tom McCawley, “U.S. Tsunami Aid Still Reaps Goodwill,” Christian Science Monitor (February 28, 2006)