President Barack Obama will deliver a much-anticipated speech on “The Middle East and North Africa: A Moment of Opportunity” later this week against a backdrop of deeply ingrained skepticism in the Arab world and other largely Muslim states.
Attitudes towards the U.S. and Obama’s personal performance remain as negative as ever and even deteriorated further in Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center. But the depth and extent of support for democracy may represent a terminal blow to notions of Arab exceptionalism.
Broad majorities in Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and the Palestinian territories hold unfavorable views of the U.S., with opinion divided in Lebanon, and only Indonesian respondents held largely positive views.
The survey, conducted in Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Indonesia and the Palestinian territories from late March to April (prior to Osama bin Laden’s death), reveals negative perceptions of the U.S. and widespread disapproval of Obama’s response to demands for political change across the Middle East.
Some observers believe the administration’s inconsistent approach to the regional upheaval reflects the dilemma that any government faces in balancing ideals and interests. Others hint that Obama’s declared preference for non-ideological pragmatism does not necessarily entail moral neutrality or lack of support for the protesters.
“Clearly, the president wants to take a positive view that the United States is in favor of the kind of change that these revolutions are looking for — democratic change,” said Michelle Dunne, editor of the Arab Reform Bulletin. “There’s a tremendous pent-up demand in the Middle East for a better life. … There’s a sense now that the people there have had it.”
The poll, part of the Global Attitudes Project, confirms widespread public support for democracy and optimism that the current tumult will generate democratic change. But the administration’s perceived ambivalence and reluctance to embrace the anti-authoritarian upsurge appear to have registered with public opinion.
“The rise of pro-democracy movements has not led to an improvement in America’s image in the region,” the report notes.
Democracy is widely considered the best form of government, and citizens in Muslim-majority states surveyed also prize specific democratic practices, including freedom of religion, free speech, and competitive elections. Pakistan is the only country surveyed where less than half (46%) believe democracy is preferable.
But many respondents prioritize economic growth and political stability. When asked to choose between a good democracy and a strong economy, Turkish, Egyptian and Lebanese respondents are evenly divided, while a strong economy is valued more than a good democracy in Jordan, the Palestinian territories, Pakistan and Indonesia.
Arab citizens are optimistic about the impact of the Arab awakening, with strong majorities in Jordan (73%), the Palestinian territories (73%) and Lebanon (71%) taking the view that the protests will produce greater democracy in the region. Some 57% of Egyptians are also optimistic. Respondents in Turkey and Indonesia were less optimistic.
Majorities or pluralities in the seven countries surveyed say democracy is the best form of government, and many increasingly believe that a democratic government, rather than a strong leader, can best solve national problems.
Al Qaeda is viewed negatively by majorities across all countries surveyed, but more than a quarter of respondents in the Palestinian territories have a positive opinion.
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