Anti-American sentiment is at record levels around the world, according to a new report commissioned by the US Congress.

America is viewed unfavourably by 82 per cent of people in Arab countries, while US popularity has fallen 45 per cent in Indonesia and 27 per cent in the UK.

The report says the record low in international approval is because of US policies such as the invasion of Iraq and practices such as torture and rendition.

In the Muslim world, President George W Bush is more disliked than Israeli leaders, and there is widespread belief that the US is using the war on terror as a cover for attempts to destroy Islam.