Peter Brooks:
MILITARY operations against terrorism are essential in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, but Islamic extremism will be defeated as much — if not more — in the Muslim heart and mind as on the battlefield.So, at least, suggests a new Pakistani survey.
The Pakistan branch of ACNielsen did the poll for the D.C.-based nonprofit Terror Free Tomorrow. The key finding: Pakistan — long a hotbed of terrorism and extremism, and still the suspected hiding place for Osama bin Laden, and other senior terrorist leaders — now holds the United States in higher regard than at any time since 9/11.
More: Support among Pakistanis for al Qaeda and terrorism has plummeted to its lowest level in over four years.
What's behind this seismic shift in Pakistani public mood?
Seeing Afghanistan gaining ground may help, but the pollsters point to U.S. humanitarian aid and assistance in the aftermath of October's devastating earthquake in Pakistan.
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* Because of America's response, 78 percent of those asked have a more favorable opinion of the United States, with the strongest support coming from Pakistanis under 35.
* Positive opinions of the United States in Pakistan doubled from 23 percent in May to more than 46 percent in November; negative views fell from 48 percent to 28 percent.
* Over the same period, support for the "mythical" Osama bin Laden dropped from 51 to 33 percent; those opposing the al Qaeda boss jumped from 23 percent to 41 percent.
* Those who see terrorist suicide attacks as never justifiable shot up from 45 percent to 73 percent.
* Biggest bombshell of all: The United States proved more popular than both other Western countries and radical Islamist groups.
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... support for al Qaeda and Islamic extremism has proven to not be absolute, but rather circumstantial and weakening. If it can be undermined in a crucible of Islamic radicalism/extremism like Pakistan, it can be overcome anywhere.
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