Majority of Americans lack understanding of Islam

More than half of Americans acknowledge having a poor understanding of Islam, even though they support President Barack Obama's plan to seek improved relations with the Muslim world, according to a new opinion poll released late Sunday. The survey by The Washington Post and ABC News showed that 55 percent of those polled said they lacked a good understanding of the teachings and beliefs of Islam. Forty-eight percent said they had an unfavorable view of Islam while nearly three in 10, or 29 percent, said they saw mainstream Islam as advocating violence against non-Muslims. At the same time, 58 percent said Islam was a peaceful religion, according to the poll. In his inaugural address, President Obama offered to "extend a hand" to Muslim nations if they are willing to accept it. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said Obama will handle this diplomacy "about right." However, nearly a quarter said he will probably "go too far" and nine percent said it was more likely he will not go far enough. The survey, conducted by telephone March 26-29, had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points.