In these poll results, we see Europeans condemning America’s ineffective misadventures across the globe and their dangerous consequences. It’s not so much a moral judgment that finds the United States more dangerous than Iran, but a practical one. To put the question in perspective, we need only imagine what the consequences for the world would be if Iran had the same power and global influence as the United States.

What we are seeing in Europe is a combination of anger at the folly of current U.S. foreign policy along with the realization that the United States’ actions -- as the only real global power -- will affect the rest of the world. The fallout of U.S. action may be positive or negative, but America is perhaps the only country that can take upon itself the burden and responsibility of unilateral action. It therefore should expect criticism.

Iran, on the other hand, may pursue nuclear technology, intervene in Iraq and Lebanon, and drive an endless war against Israel, but however much trouble this may cause in the broader region, the consequences do not directly concern the average European. Also, there is something predictable in Iran’s behavior. There are signs that the more prudent leadership will rein in the populist president when he veers from their desired policies. Tehran is the guardian of Shiites first; second, it’s the enemy of Israel and then it’s the enemy of the United States. This all guides its actions. Europeans may be upset by this, but it is something that they have become used to. Recent American unilateralism and irresponsibility is not something that they can get used to easily. This is unsettling.

Many Europeans feel that America is in a phase where it does whatever it likes without thinking things through carefully. They look at Iraq. But the saber rattling directed at Iran is markedly more cautious than what preceded the invasion of Iraq. At least Washington has learned that its propaganda (such as Dr. Rice’s dire warning of a “mushroom cloud”) backfires. The case against Iran is slowly building with cautious allegations of direct Iranian involvement in the killing of U.S. troops in Iraq. Meanwhile, the U.S. is trying to forge a consensus in the United Nations against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. And America keeps protesting that it’s not considering war with Iran.

It seems as if the United States is trying to change the way it wields power. What a difference four years and a failed war make.

But perhaps there is a flip side to the Europeans’ fear of recent U.S. behavior. What happens if the United States stops intervening globally to help solve crises? Do Europeans fear both an overly aggressive U.S. world stance, and a recoiling America that refuses to intervene when things get out of control?

Despite the many gloomy spots, the world today is reasonably safe and reasonably well regulated. Globalization, so far, is a success. The United States’ positive role in this is indisputable. Things could be better, of course. But it is doubtful that many Europeans would prefer to see no U.S. involvement in maintaining the status quo. The poll results are interesting, but they are like a snapshot taken along a protracted journey. It does not capture its whole trajectory.