(WASHINGTON, D.C., 6/16/2008) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed a report, titled "The Decline in America's Reputation: Why," issued by a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee.

Among the reports main findings are that opposition to specific U.S. policies has driven the decline in our nation's reputation and that foreign audiences perceive a disconnect between America's values and recent actions.

The Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and Oversight - part of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs - drafted the report in the wake of ten hearings on the issue.

The report also finds that unilateral behavior by the current administration, a lack of contact with Americans and the "perceived war on Islam" also contribute to America's unfavorable image in many nations.

Another finding is that, "Particularly among Muslim [visa] applicants, the experience with customs and border officials creates a perception that they are not welcome."

According to Subcommittee Chairman Bill Delahunt: "The data presented at these hearings make it clear that people in other nations don't "hate us because of our values" - but rather that they are disappointed with us because we aren't always true to those values."

The report also notes that the subcommittee intends to issue at least two additional papers, one on "the impact of the decline of our image on our national interests" and another "on recommendations for restoring our reputation."

"If our nation projects its best values and not the worst of its fears, I believe anti-American forces around the world will find their support severely diminished," said CAIR National Legislative Director Corey Saylor. "This report reflects many of the assertions American Muslims and others have been making for the past several years."

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