World views president’s second term with curiosity

London ? As President Bush kicks off his second term, he has pockets of international support from Tokyo to Tel Aviv — but many around the world warily contemplate how the next chapter will unfold under a leader they see as cocky, shallow and dangerous.

They wonder: Will he now set his sights on Iran? Will he widen the rift with Europe? Or will he become more conciliatory, seeking to secure a legacy the world will ultimately respect?

There are some overseas supporters of Bush’s foreign policy activism: pre-emptive strikes against perceived threats and the conviction that American muscle is a legitimate tool for spreading democracy. Israelis, for example, are grateful for his strong opposition to terrorism.

But the Iraq war has undermined his relationship with allies in Europe. And many here are offended by his unilateralist approach — carried out with a perceived cowboy swagger and accompanied by an overt religious fervor out of synch with Europe’s secular politics.

There are even signs that unhappiness with Bush’s policies and persona is spilling over into hostility toward Americans in general.

A BBC World Service opinion poll released Wednesday indicated majorities in seven important countries thought less of Americans because of Bush — led by Turkey with 72 percent, France 65 percent, Brazil 59 percent and Germany 56 percent.

“The celebration seems really expensive. I heard they brought in a ton of meat for the thing. I can’t imagine it all being eaten. So I’m wondering what they’re going to do with it? Are they going to wrestle in it?”— Kelley Sanchez, KU student, Topeka

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Amid the prevailing pessimism, there were cautious signs of hope.

In Brussels, European Union officials urged Washington to be more active on issues including the Middle East peace process, and to embrace the Kyoto treaty on global warming which Bush abandoned four years ago.

And Washington’s contribution of funds and troops to help Asia recover from the tsunami disaster has raised hopes of a gentler dimension to U.S. foreign policy.