Editorial: It’s a small world after all

Monday, April 17, 2006 | 7:26 a.m.

A new poll suggests that concerns over the war in Iraq, illegal immigration and foreign trade are making more Americans anxious about the United States engaging in issues and interests beyond its borders.

The joint poll by USA Today and Gallup shows 44 percent of Americans said the United States "should mind its own business internationally and let other countries get along as best they can on their own." Just one-third of those polled three years ago felt that way, USA Today reports.

War is a big part of the reason, judging from the 64 percent who wanted some or all of U.S. troops withdrawn from Iraq. But 80 percent of those polled also characterized immigration as "out of control," and two-thirds said increased trade with foreign countries mostly hurts U.S. workers.

While it is irresponsible for the United States to continue fighting a rudderless war, for example, it is short-sighted to presume that America would thrive in isolation.

Economic and terrorism concerns are global, as are such environmental issues as climate change and such health issues as bird flu. The United States cannot confront these issues in a vacuum.

Given the global nature of communications, travel, technology and science, the United States couldn't turn inward even if it wanted to. And 56 percent of Americans - despite their apparent distress over war and other issues - agree. They said President Bush should pay more attention to the views of other countries when making decisions. It shows that most Americans, although a declining number of them, recognize that living on this planet takes a collaborative global effort.