Global opposition to U.S. drone strikes cited in report

A report on the U.S. image in the world finds widespread opposition to the Obama administration's increasing use of unmanned drone strikes to kill terror suspects.

The Pew Research Center's report Wednesday found that in 17 of the 21 countries surveyed, more than half of the people disapproved of U.S. drone attacks targeting extremist leaders and groups in nations such as Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.

But the survey found that in the United States, a majority, or 62 per cent, approved the drone campaign. The Pew Center said American public opinion is the clear exception on this issue.

The White House declined to comment on the report. The Obama administration considers drone strikes one of its most effective tools to combat al-Qaeda.