Posted on 12/26/2001 9:21:53 AM PST by Alouette
Levels of support among Americans for moderate Arab states and Washington's Arab allies have dropped to an all-time low, according to new survey by Zogby International. Arab American groups have called the results "shocking," saying that the figures show a dramatic shift in Americans' attitude toward the Arab world.
Only 10 percent of Americans view the Palestinian Authority favorably, compared to a huge 72 percent that are totally unsympathetic toward the PA, according to a recent comprehensive poll in the U.S. on Washington's attitude toward the Middle East and the Israeli-Arab conflict.
The lowest ever level of support was recorded for Egpyt and Saudi Arabia. Only 24 percent of those asked saw Saudi Arabia in a positive light, while 58 percent held negative views about the kingdom.
Israel, in complete contrast, prompted the opposite response, with 59 percent of Americans expressing positive opinions on Israel, compared to 28 percent who held negative views.
A closer look at the Zogby poll on the Middle East shows that there has been little change in U.S. attitude toward Israel since the start of the Oslo peace process: 61 percent support in 1993 compared to 59 percent today. Following the September 11 attacks, the October poll recorded a 68 percent support rate for Israel, which has since declined, returning to its 60 percent average. The percentage of those who view Israel negatively, however, has risen since October from 14 percent to the current 28 percent.
American public opinion toward the Arab world has undergone a complete turnabout: In 1993, some 64 percent of respondents expressed a favorable opinion of Egypt, compared to just 38 percent today. The months of October and November saw the sharpest drop. Saudia Arabia has never won many hearts and minds in the U.S., but support has plummeted from 56 percent at the start of 2001 to just 24 percent currently.
The respondents were given a list of countries and asked which they considered to be good or bad allies of the U.S. Some 52 percent responded that Israel was a very good or generally good ally of Washington, with just 28 percent giving the same answer for Egypt and 22 percent for Saudia Arabia.
In October, respondents explained their negative attitude to the Arab states because of their "relations with terrorists," that "one can't know what their position is," and because "they can't be trusted."
There has not however been a significant change in the American public's attitude toward the Israeli-Arab conflict since the September attacks, with 61 percent of respondents saying that the Israelis and Palestinians were equally to blame. There was however a slight fall in the percentage of those who see Israel as solely responsible for the conflict, dropping from 6 percent three years ago to just 4 percent currently. The number of respondents who believe the Palestinians are to blame rose more sharply from 9 percent in 1998, to 24 percent today.
The Arab lobby in Washington is blaming the "anti-Arab propaganda campaign" that has been waged since the September 11 attacks for the shift in attitude.
James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute and brother of the editor of the survey, John Zogby, said that "what the results show is that a tremendous task confronts those who value the relationship and the pursuit of Middle East peace ... The downward slide can be arrested and reversed, but it will require a concerted effort."
Zogby blamed a "steady diet of anti-Arab information" for the swing in public opinion, saying that "those who are seeking to disrupt and discredit the relationship are working overtime."
"Work must be done and it should begin before more damage occurs," he stressed.
Because De Nile IS a river in Egypt.
You're not alone. My wife was extremely anti-Jewish and anti-Isreali and very fond of the Middle-Eastern Arab/Muslim culture. Since 9/11, she is .. and is becoming .. more pro-Israeli and anti-Arab/Muslim than I am, and that's saying a lot, as I was extremely pro-Israeli and anti-Arab/Muslim even before 9/11. I just want them all dead ... she wants to torture them first.
200 years from now, I want their children's children's children's children to cower and cringe in fear whenever they hear the sounds of jet engines overhead because their legends tell of fire from the sky.
I want them to hide in dark caves and holes in the earth, shivering with terror whenever they hear the roar of diesel engines because the tales of their ancestors talk about metal monsters crawling over the earth, spitting death and destruction.
I want their mothers to be able to admonish them with "If you don't behave, the Pale Destroyers will come for you", and that will be enough to reduce them to quivering obesience.
I want the annihilation to be so complete that their mythology will tell them of the day of judgment when the stern gods from across the sea .. the powerful 'Mericans .. destroyed their forefathers' wickedness.
Kill them all ... nits make lice.
COL Chivington (Sand Creek)
Zogby blamed a "steady diet of anti-Arab information"
Like the news.
BWAHAHAHAHA!!
And consider the fact that they only show us a fraction of the horrendous global Islamic behavior...
A truly Orwellian statement. There is propaganda all right, but it is pro-Islam propaganda to keep the lid on the pressure cooker.
No, Arab states are Islamic. We lost many people in the name of Islam. No Arab state has denounced the attack strongly. Therefore, Arab states should be anathema to right-thinking people. It has nothing to do with propaganda.
A truly Orwellian statement. There is propaganda all right, but it is pro-Islam propaganda to keep the lid on the pressure cooker.
No, Arab states are Islamic. We lost many people in the name of Islam. No Arab state has denounced the attack strongly. Therefore, Arab states should be anathema to right-thinking people. It has nothing to do with propaganda.
The public opinion is created by the mainstream media for the sheeples of this country, so the so called "swing" is basically meaningless. The political agenda of the mainstream media does not reflect the national interest of the United States.
I am going to have to start taking more care when I check FR. Now I have carbonated soda up my nose, and it feels awful.
Glad there are still people who know how to respond to bashers with humour -- and good humour at that.
d.o.l.
Criminal Number 18F
Just look at all the havoc and terror these types have wrought on Israel and the USA. No wonder Arabs are rated less than dung in the opinion polls.
They’re all stereotyped because of all the bombings and murdering their ilk perpetrate on innocent people and children.
True,, it may never happen, but,, load up an arab airliner with muslins and fuel, put me at the controls and just watch!
Alouette doesn't sound like a Liberal to me; sounds like veronica; sounds shrill. ADL is fine. JDL is not.
Lack of outrage is one thing. Jubilation is another.
Since this poll was taken, it is likely that it has gone lower. Terminology will need continual clarification. This poll is purportedly about "arabs." I wonder what the poll results would be for 'muslims."
My personal circle of contacts vary quite widely, in race, ethnicity, education, politics. I have been surprised about how strongly they support our war efforts, and how badly they classify "arabs" and "muslims."
I have worked with arabs and Iranians, and know that they cannot be trusted, in the same way we do business. Historically, they cheat and war against their own blood relatives, so we should expect their dishonesty.
I hope the Zogby brothers understand the issue is substance, and not just tweaking the public relations presentation.
I disagree and it appears the majority are on my side. I hate to clue you in on this, but you do not get to define what is in the interests of America all by yourself. We all get a voice.
IMO, Israel could care less about what happened on 9-11.
IMO, Israel cared a great deal which is why thousands lined up and gave blood. It is also why Israel offered to send experts to help with the rescue effort. Those are FACTS. Do you have any FACTS to support your opinion?
If Israel did, it would leave us alone and stop trying to get us to fight its war for them.
Again, this is your perception which does not appear to be backed up by facts or reality. No surprise there.
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