Poll: 'War on terror' not succeeding

LONDON, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Survey respondents in 23 nations said the U.S.-led war on terror is not succeeding, a BBC World Service opinion poll indicated.

Of the estimated 24,000 adults polled between July 8 and Sept. 12, the BBC reported 29 percent said the war on terror announced by U.S. President George W. Bush in 2001 has not made an impact on al-Qaida. Thirty percent said the U.S. policies have only strengthened the terrorist group.

The report said that with the exception of those in Egypt and Pakistan, respondents mostly held a negative view of al-Qaida.

Asked who was winning the fight, 49 percent said neither side, 22 percent said they believed the United States had gained the upper hand and 10 percent said al-Qaida was winning.

In Egypt, 60 percent said they held a positive or mixed view about al-Qaida. The report quoted as analysts who said there are many Egyptians in al-Qaida leadership.

In Pakistan only 19 percent held a negative view of the group.

Doug Miller, with the polling agency Globescan, was quoted as saying the findings are "yet another indicator" the United States is "not winning hearts and minds" in Pakistan and Egypt.