BBC World Service conducted a poll which asked citizens of 20 countries their views of the economy. Surprisingly, both Afghanis and Iraqis were amongst the most optimistic. Indeed, they were much more optimistic than their neighbors Iran, Saudi Arabia or Turkey.

When asked if things are getting better or worse for themselves and their families

Afghanistan 70% better 26% worse
Iraq 65% better 27% worse
Iran 53% better 40% worse
Saudi Arabia 30% better 29% worse
Turkey 31% better 41% worse

When asked about economic conditions in the country

Afghanistan 57% better 38% worse
Iraq 56% better 39% worse
Iran 42% better 46% worse
Saudi Arabia 35% better 25% worse
Turkey 30% better 41% worse

When asked about economic conditions in the World

Iraq 71% better 21% worse
Afghanistan 63% better 11% worse
Iran 45% better 48% worse
Turkey 25% better 27% worse
Saudi Arabia 19% better 35% worse.

This is particularly striking as the answers tend to reflect at least as much the mood of the country as objective economic performance. Indian optimism (59/13; 57/23; 66/15) may be justified by its economic performance tic but US economic performance does not justify American pessimism about the country's and the world economic prospects (56/34; 39/58; 37/56).

Also striking is the deep French (36/52; 12/83; 20/70) and Italian pessimism (14/54; 11/78; 14/69) especially when compared to the growing German optimism (38/27; 50/37; 51/30)

Finally, I cannot avoid mentioning another striking number. 64% of the Americans and 59% or the Australians believe that the news media is a negative influence in the world. In no other country does the majority hold a similar jaundiced view of the media.