The BBC provides a great summary of world press opinion with many quotations. Generally Katrina is seen as an unmitigated disaster of management and (non)planning. The world sees that
New Orleans is the first major city to be lost to global warming. We are now in the spotlight--and have a wonderful opportunity to speak out on the effects of global warming.
The US is at a point like immediately after 9/11 where we had the world's attention and sympathy and could have taken the lead to stop worldwide terrorism.
Push hard! We want our government to use this precious moment in history for the benefit of our children, the world and humankind!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4207542.stm