MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Arrest of British terrorist suspects helps Bush

United States president George W Bush popularity increased following the arrest in Britain of the suspects in the terror plot to blow up US-bound passenger planes according to a USA Today public opinion poll published Tuesday.

Bush's approval rating jumped to 42% from 37% earlier this month shows a survey of 1.001 adults taken Friday through Sunday. His lowest showing was in May: 31%.

However Bush's handling of key issues such as Iraq, Middle East, foreign affairs and the economy remained well below 40%. But his handling of terrorism remains at 55%.

University of California political analyst Gary Jacobsen attributed the surge in support for Bush to the August 10 arrest in Britain of 24 suspects in connection with the foiled bombing plot of passenger airplanes.

"The arrests reminded people that terrorists were out there, and this is (Bush's) strong suit," said Jacobsen.

President Bush' improved standing also helped push his Republican Party's showing over the opposition Democrats with regards to the November mid term legislative elections: respondents said they would vote 47-45% for Democrats, against 50-41% two weeks ago.

On the war on terrorism in general, more US citizens believed neither side was winning 44%, compared to those who said it was US and its allies 35%, or the terrorists 18%.

An overwhelming majority of US residents, 91%, believe the cease fire in Lebanon is temporary and very soon violent hostilities will resume between Israel and Hezbollah. Another 71% thinks prospects for a long lasting peace in Middle East will worsen.