Fuzzy Math
Published by BG on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 3:39 PM.Michelle Malkin: The AP gets the headline wrong
"Most U.S. Muslims reject suicide bombings," AP reports.
Here's what should be headlined from the article about a new Pew poll (which you can find here):
Headline:
"One in four younger U.S. Muslims say suicide bombings to defend their religion are acceptable at least in some circumstances..."
Headline:
While nearly 80 percent of U.S. Muslims say suicide bombings of civilians to defend Islam can not be justified, 13 percent say they can be, at least rarely.
That sentiment is strongest among those younger than 30. Two percent of them say it can often be justified, 13 percent say sometimes and 11 percent say rarely.
"It is a hair-raising number," said Radwan Masmoudi, president of the Washington-based Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, which promotes the compatibility of Islam with democracy.
Headline:
Only 5 percent of U.S. Muslims expressed favorable views of the terrorist group al-Qaida, though about a fourth did not express an opinion.
That's about 29 percent of U.S. Muslims surveyed who have favorable or unknown views about al Qaeda.
Headline: Nearly Three in Ten U.S. Muslims have favorable views/no opinion of al Qaeda.
Yes, that's hair-raising.
Sure, but it's still less than a majority.
Update:
lgf: AP Spins in Both Directions
The Associated Press seems to be having a little trouble deciding how to spin the new Pew Research survey.
One hour and 52 minutes ago, the headline was:
Most U.S. Muslims reject suicide bombings.
Thirty-five minutes ago, the same story was re-released:
Some US Muslims justify suicide attacks.
Oy.
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