US Security Poll

North Korea: North Korea is of course a communist country run by dictator Kim Jong-il. Since communism became a major government system, the United States has consistently opposed it. North Korea has criticized the United States for not lifting economic sanctions. While the United States has criticized North Korea for maintaining missile exports and has suspected them of secretly building a nuclear weapons program. However, despite their hostile rhetoric, both countries have maintained an agreement on famine relief and technical assistance programs.

Russia: Since the 1950's, the United States has had a major bias against Russia, mainly because of its former communist roots. However, recently many Americans have opposed former leader Putin. Officials within the United States have expressed their concern over Putin's "authoritarian" leadership and and reversal of democratic reforms. Recently, the United States has expressed more such concern over Russia with the war with Georgia in August as well as their launching of three test missiles.

Iran: In 1979, the Iran Revolution occurred which pushed out the pro-American Shah and placed in the anti-American Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. Since then, the United States and Iran have held a very hostile relationship. The Hezbollah, an anti-American terrorist organization, is very active in Iran, contributing to the hostility. Anti-American billboards can be found throughout the cities in the country, and the term "death to America" can even be heard in some prayers that are said with this country. Yet, some actually believe that Iran is the least Anti-American of all the Muslim countries which could be because many Iranians actually mourned for Americans after the 9/11 attacks. However, they are still a major concern regarding the United States National Security due to their desire to obtain weapons of mass destruction and their state sponsorship of international terrorism.

Cuba: While both Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton have attempted to make strides with the communist Cuba, the Bush administration has deemed the country to be one of the few "outposts of tyranny." Cuba was founded to be a state supporter of terrorism by the US Department of State, however Cuba has denied this fact and has called the US a supporter of terrorism against the country. However, the US does continue to run Guantanamo Bay within Cuba, which has been speculated to be shut down.

Venezuela: The United States and Venezuela used to have an close, solid friendship, however since the presidency of Hugo Chavez, this friendship has significantly worsened. This is for the most part due to Chavez's close relationship with former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Also, because of Chavez's stance on OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries), the price of oil has been raised in the US. Chavez still continues to use anti-American rhetoric.

-Emma