Views from the Middle East: Public Opinion in the Arab World

Understanding the mood and opinions of the Arab public is a critical challenge, given the continuing struggle for peace, economic growth and stability in the Middle East. As the people of the region respond to a wide range of dynamics, including American efforts to jump-start the Middle East peace process, stabilize Iraq and counter Iran’s bid for hegemony, accurately gauging Arab public opinion is an imperative.

On April 14, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings hosted the release of a new University of Maryland/Zogby International opinion poll reflecting public attitudes in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates. Saban Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Shibley Telhami, the Anwar Sadat Professor for Peace and Development at the University of Maryland, presented his latest polling research and key findings from the five-nation study. David Ignatius, associate editor and columnist at The Washington Post, joined Dr. Telhami for a discussion of the poll results following the formal presentation of the findings. Saban Center Director Martin S. Indyk provided introductory remarks and moderated the panel discussion.

Opinion Poll results >>