Few Americans could find Afghanistan or Iraq on a map before four hijacked airliners caused death and devastation in the United States. Today most of them could tell you who Saddam Hussein is and where he lives, and many have a connection to Afghanistan through a member of the military serving there. And increasingly they are consuming more international news or television, radio and in the newspapers. A poll just released by the Gallup Tuesday Briefing says Americans are now able to identify more national and international political leaders. In late May 2000, only 33 percent of Americans could name Madeleine Albright as the U.S. secretary of state. In early February of this year, 57 percent could identify Colin Powell as holder of that post. Americans able to name Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Britain’s Prime Minister Tony Blair have doubled, from 18 percent to 40 percent, and 22 percent to 55 percent respectively. Gallup believes the rise in America’s ability to identify Blair is due to his support of the U.S. plans in Iraq. Israel’s Prime Minister Ariel Sharon could also be identified by 37 percent of Americans. Full Story
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