Iran Most Negative Country, U.S. Second

Somebody needs to start assessing and ranking the validity of polls. On the ten-loaf manure scale, this one is at least a nine.

From ynetnews.com:

A BBC survey undertaken in 33 nations found Iran is seen as the country that has the most negative influence in the world.

[ ... ]

Meanwhile, the survey found the United States was the 2nd most negative country, while the standing of China, Russia, and France also declined compared to a previous poll at the end of 2004.

Negative views of America increased in France, Britain, China, Australia, and Brazil. At the same time, the standing of China in the poll has also declined, with respondents in only eight countries rating it positively.

On the other hand, Japan received the nod from most respondents as the country seen to have the most positive influence in the world. Overall, Japan was ranked positively in 31 of the 33 nations taking part in the survey.

Okay, maybe someone can tell me why people risk and, sometimes, lose their lives trying to get into the 2nd most negative nation.

The survey by polling firm GlobeScan and the University of Maryland was conducted between October 2005 and January 2006 and it questioned over 39,000 people in 33 nations. Based on the results, I'd suggest that GlobeScan and the University of Maryland stick to Coke vs. Pepsi.

Companion post at In The Bullpen.