Is this the corollary to the rule that as Iraq becomes more peaceful, it is reported on less and less? The story I'm referring to is the poll finding that the people of Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom no longer see the United States as the greatest threat to world peace. Instead, a majority say that distinction belongs to China:

The poll, carried out by the Harris agency between March 27 and April 8 and published on Tuesday, found that 35 percent of respondents in the five largest EU states see China as a bigger threat to world stability than any other state. Last year, that figure was 19 percent, and in 2006 it was only 12 percent. In contrast, the US has slipped back into second place, with 29 percent of the respondents viewing it as the biggest threat, down from 32 percent in 2007.

Last year the American media gave extensive coverage to the Harris poll, and to a contemporaneous Pew poll that showed a decline in the image of the United States abroad. The New York Times saw fit to wring its hands over what Iraq was doing to perceptions of our country around the world. Perhaps the paper of record will give the president a slap on the back and an 'attaboy' now that the surge has -- apparently -- restored our standing in the eyes of our European allies?