American Polls: Attitudes Toward the Middle East

Thinking about U.S. national security, which one of the following regions is currently the most important to the security interests of the United States? (The Chicago Council, January 10-12, 2020) 

*Question asked which regions are very important or somehwat important.

Do you think the United States should or should not have long-term military bases in the following places? (% should have) (The Chicago Council, January 10-12, 2020) 

Which of the following comes closest to your view on U.S. security alliances in the Middle East? Do they? (%) (The Chicago Council, January 10-12, 2020) 

Which one of the the following factors is most important in explaining the escalation in the Gulf region that has endangered the oil trade: (University of Maryland, October 4-10, 2019)

As you may know, the United States has recently announced the withdrawal of its forces from northern Syria, ahead of a Turkish military campaign there. President Trump explained the move by saying: "it is time for us to get out of these ridiculous Endless Wars, many of them tribal, and bring our soldiers home." Critics have argued that it was the wrong move because it leaves our Kurdish allies in northern Syria vulnerable and gives the upper hand to Turkey which, although a member of NATO, is considered by some as a foe whose aims have been questioned. Tell me how you feel about the move to withdraw U.S. forces from northern Syria: (University of Maryland, October 4-10, 2019)

I am going to read you a list of possible threats to the vital interests of the United States in the next 10 years. For each one, please tell me if you see this as a critical threat, an important but not critical threat, or not an important threat at all? (Gallup, February of each year)

What is your overall opinion of Syria? Is it very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable, or very unfavorable? (Gallup, February 2016)

Do you view the conflict in Syria as a critical threat to U.S. interests over the next 10 years, an important but not critical threat, or not a critical threat at all? (Gallup, February 2016)

Based on what you know or have read, do you think the U.S. military should be more involved in Syria, is it's involvement about right, or should it be less involved? (Gallup, February 2016) 

Of the challenges facing the United States in the Middle East, which of the following do you believe threatens American interests the most? (Note: this survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015) 

How concerned are you about events in Israel and the Palestinian Territory? (Note: this survey contains an oversample of self-identified Evangelical Christians) (University of Maryland, December 2015) 

Should the US military presence in the following regions should be increased, maintained at its present level, or decreased? (The Chicago Council, November 2015) 

Favorable Opinion (Gallup) All Numbers Reflect %.

Favorability of Nations Trend

When it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, what are you most concerned about?
       (The Brookings Institution, December 2014)

Please indicate if you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable opinion of each individual, group, or country listed below (The Israel Project, May 2-4, 2014) 

Do you associate Israeli political leaders or Palestinian political leaders more with each phrase:
              (The Israel Project National Survey, January 10-12, 2009)

What is the top international threat?* *Not exact question wording
              (Pew Research Center, January 7-11, 2009)

Do the following groups or nations generally have more moderate views or more extremist views?
               (The Israel Project National Survey, March 18-20, 2008)

Which ONE of the following do you believe is the most important reason that Islamic fundamentalists hate the United States?
               (Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)

Please tell me which statement comes closer to your own view... (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)

1. Solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is important to solving issues in Iraq
2. Challenges in Iraq will not be solved by solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Please tell me which statement comes closer to your own view... (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)

1. It is important to create a Palestinian state now
2. There should not be a Palestinian state until Palestinian leaders end the terror and recognize Israel's right to exist

Please tell me which statement comes closer to your own view...(The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)

1. Palestinians deserve a state where they are today
2. There are more than twenty-one Arab countries and it makes more sense to relocate Palestinians to one of them

Is solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict important to solving the challenges in Iraq? (POS, January 2007)

Now, I'd like to rate your feelings towards some people and organizations, with onew hundred meaning a VERY WAR, FAVORABLE feeling; zero meaning a VERY COLD, UNFAVORABLE feeling; and fifty meaning not particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from zero to one hundred, tghe higher the number the more favorable your feelings are toward that person or organization. The word is Israel. (Greenberg Quinlan Rosner)

Thinking about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East, please tell me whether, in general, you consider yourself to be... (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)

Please tell me which statement comes closer to your own view... Solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is important to solving issues in Iraq or Challenges in Iraq will not be solved by solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)

Please tell me which statement comes closer to your own view...It is important to create a Palestinian state now or There should not be a Palestinian state until Palestinian leaders end the terror and recognize Israel’s right to exist (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)

Please tell me which statement comes closer to your own view...The bigger cause of violence in the Middle East is the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians or bigger cause of violence in the Middle East is the conflict between moderates and extremists, across a number of countries and groups (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)

As you may know, there are debates about whether the US should have diplomatic talks with countries that are doing things that the US opposes. Please select which position is closer to yours. The US should: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)

As you may know, there are debates about whether the US should have diplomatic talks with countries that are doing things that the US opposes. Please select which position is closer to yours. The US should: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)

Do you favor or oppose the idea of having a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East that would include both Islamic countries and Israel? (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)

Currently there is a debate about whether the US government should announce that it has the goal of removing the existing government of another country that it sees as a problem, such as the government of Iran. Some people say that this is a good idea because it creates moral clarity and strengthens opposition to the government both inside and outside that country. Others say it is a bad idea because it violates the principle of national sovereignty and when countries feel threatened they are less cooperative and more likely to use dangerous means to protect themselves. Do you think announcing that the US has the goal of removing an existing government that it sees as a problem, is: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)

Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly disagree that the work of the Israel lobby on Congress and the Bush administration has been a key factor for going to war in Iraq and now confronting Iran? (Zogby International, 10/10-12/06)

Overall, do you agree or disagree that U.S. policy is as fair with the democratic government of Lebanon as it is with the democratic government of Israel? (Zogby International, August 11-15, 2006)

How should the United States treat the Hamas-led Palestinian government? (Wall Street Journal, Online poll Feb. 3, 2006)

I'd like to get your feelings about some countries and governing organizations who have been in the news and what sort of a relationship you feel they have with the United States. I'll read the name of a country or governing organization and I'd like you to rate how much of a friend or foe they are to the U.S. using the feeling thermometer. You can choose any number between 0 and 100. The higher the number, the warmer or more friendly you feel they are to the U.S. The lower the number, the colder or less friendly they are. If we come to a country or governing organization who you haven't heard enough about to form an opinion, you don't need to rate them. Just tell me and we'll move on to the next one. How friendly or unfriendly do you think -- is to the U.S.? (Quinnipiac University)

We'd now like to rate your feelings toward some organizations and people on a 0-100 scale, where 100 means that you have a very warm, positive feeling toward that particular organization or person, and zero means that you have a very cold, negative feeling. A rating of 50 means that you do not feel particularly warm or cold. You can use any number from zero to 100; the higher the number, the more favorable your feelings are toward that organization or person. (Harris, August 2006)

*From 100 (most positive) to 0 (most negative).

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon? (ADL, March 18-25, 2005)

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of the current Israeli government? (ADL)

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Regardless of what they say publicly, most Arab leaders are committed to the destruction of Israel. (ADL, March 18-25, 2005)

In general, do you believe the American news coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East tends to favor the Israelis, the Palestinians, or is it generally balanced? (ADL, March 18-25, 2005)

Now, as you may know, in protest of Israeli Government policy with respect to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church here in the United States recently voted by an overwhelming margin to begin a phased divestment to withdraw Church funds from certain companies that do business in Israel. Do you support or oppose the action taken by the Presbyterian Church? (The Israel Project, November 7-8, 2004)

Next, I'd like to get your overall opinion of some people who were in the news this year. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of this person — or if you have never heard of him or her....Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. (Gallup)

* Asked as PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat

Now, thinking about the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Middle East, please tell me whether, in general, you consider yourself to be.. (The Israel Project, July 17-19, 2004)

Now I’d like to read you a list of words and phrases and please tell me for each one whether you believe it describes Israel very well, well, not too well, or not well at all. The (first/next) one is.... (The Israel Project, July 17-19, 2004)

*Asked of partial sample.

Now, thinking into the future, say 25 years from now in the year 2029, do you believe that Israel will still exist as a Jewish nation? (The Israel Project, July 17-19, 2004)

Now I would like to refer to a few values that people often use to characterize the American people. Please select the one you most appreciate and would be pleased to characterize the people of Israel? (Hudson Institute, June 24, 2004)

When you think about the world's nations, which country is in your opinion a true friend of Israel that can be trusted to help Israel even through difficult times? (Hudson Institute, June 24, 2004)

Some say that the US is helping Israel while others say that it is restricting to Israel. When you sum it up, to what extent do you think Israel should be thankful to the US for its help? (Hudson Institute, June 24, 2004)

I am going to read you a list of possible threats to the vital interests of the United States in the next 10 years. For each one, please tell me if you see this as a critical threat, an important but not critical threat, or not an important threat at all? (Gallup, February 9-12, 2004)

“Critical Threat”

How much do you blame the -- [ITEMS ROTATED] -- for the current violence in the Middle East -- a great deal, a moderate amount, not very much, or none at all? (Gallup)

Israelis

Palestinians

Arab countries in the region

Which side is responsible for the current violence in the Middle East: the Israelis or the Palestinians? (Source: ADL, December 2003)

In your opinion, how serious is Israel about wanting to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians -- is it very serious, somewhat serious, not very serious, or not at all serious. (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Which of the following statements is closest to your own view? (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Which of the following statements is closest to your own view? (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Which of the following statements is closest to your own view? (Source: ADL, December 2003)

The United States has a special relationship with Israel because the two countries share many common values, including a commitment to freedom and democracy. (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Which statement is closest to your own view? (Source: ADL, December 2003)

U.S. is more likely to be targeted for terrorist attacks because of our support for Israel. (Source: ADL, December 2003)

In your opinion, should the U.S.: (Source: ADL, December 2003)

In general, do you believe the American news coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Middle East tends to favor the Israelis, the Palestinians, or is it generally balanced? (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Would you favor or oppose the creation of a Palestinian homeland - and independent state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip? (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Which statement is closest to your own view? (Source: ADL, December 2003)

All in all, considering the costs to the United States versus the benefits to the United States, do you think the war with Iraq was worth fighting or not worth fighting? (Note: This question was asked before the capture of Saddam Hussein by U.S. forces) (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Which statement is closest to your own view? (Source: ADL, December 2003)

For each of the following countries, tell me if in your opinion it presents a threat to peace in the world (except for the Israel question which was asked to the entire sample [1,200], the question was asked to 600). (Source: ADL, December, 2003)

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of: (ADL)

Do you think the United States supports Israel: too much, about the right amount, or too little?

How well do you think the U.S. government is dealing with the following international problems and issues? Please answer on a scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being very poorly and 10 being very well. (PIPA, March 2003)

Here are five foreign policy problems that the US is facing these days. Thinking about the long term, please select the one that you feel is the most important. [order randomized; question repeated with remaining problems until all rated. (PIPA, March 2003)

How well do you think the U.S. government is handling relations with the following countries? Please answer on a scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being very poorly and 10 being very well. (PIPA, March 2003)

Please tell me whether you think each of the following nations is a friend of the United States, or not? [ROTATE LIST] SCALE: 1. Is a friend of the United States 2. Is not a friend of the United States 3. (Depends on the issue) 4. (Don’t know) (Fox News, February 25-26, 2003)

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of: (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Do you agree or disagree? Throughout the world, anti-Semitism has reached its most dangerous levels since the 1930s. (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Do you agree or disagree? The US has a moral obligation to combat anti-Semitism in Europe as part of its foreign policy. (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Do you agree or disagree? The US has a moral obligation to combat anti-Semitism throughout the world as part of its foreign policy. (Source: ADL, December 2003)

Now I would like to know your impression, even if you are not very sure about it. Is it your impression that more countries approve or disapprove of how the US has generally dealt with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, or is it roughly balanced? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

I would like to know your impression, even if you are not very sure about it. It is your impression that more countries in the world are more sympathetic to the Israeli or the Palestinian position, or is it roughly balanced? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Thinking now about American Jewish leaders, when it comes to influencing U.S. policy toward Israel and the Middle East, do you think they have too much influence, too little influence, or about the right amount of influence over U.S. policy? (ADL, April 26-May 6, 2002)

Some have argued that the U.S. should take military action in Iraq against Saddam Hussein -- even if the U.S. has to act alone and even if it takes the lives of thousands of U.S. troops.
Others say that the U.S. should not attack Iraq on its own, because an independent U.S. invasion would provoke intense anti-American reaction throughout the Arab world and in much of Europe. They argue that any attack on Iraq must not take place without the support of key European and Arab allies.
Still others say we should take no action.
Which of these three opinions is closest to your own view? (ADL, April 26-May 6, 2002)

How likely do you think it is that each of the following will happen in the next? (Gallup/CNN/USA Today, April 5-7)

Would you favor or oppose sending U.S. ground troops to invade Iraq? (Gallup/CNN/USA Today)

Would you favor or oppose sending U.S. ground troops to invade Iraq in order to remove Saddam Hussein from power? (Gallup/CNN/USA Today)

As far as you are concerned, should the removal of Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq be a very important foreign policy goal of the U.S., a somewhat important goal, not too important, or not an important goal at all? (Gallup/CNN/USA Today)

In your view, which is more important - relations between the US and Israel or between the US and the Arab Nations? (Zogby International, April 2-4, 2002)

Do you agree or disagree that the US is doing enough to improve its image among Arabs and Muslims around the world? (Zogby International, April 2-4, 2002)

Do you agree or disagree that the US's interests and Israel's interests are identical? (Zogby International, April 2-4, 2002)

Looking ahead, do you think there will still be a state of Israel in the Middle East 50 years from today, or not? Fifty years from today, do you think Israel will still be a Jewish state, OR that Israel will be a MIXED state in which the Palestinians have a major share of power? (Newsweek, March 21-22, 2002)

Whatever you think Israel's future will be, which of the following do you think SHOULD happen? Do you think...(Newsweek, March 21-22, 2002)

Please tell me if you think each of the following ha a major influence, a minor influence, or no influence on U.S. policy toward Israel today. (First,) what about... (Newsweek, March 21-22, 2002)

Do you associate these statements with the United States and other Western nations?  (USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll, March 1-3, 2002, for U.S. data and 2002 Gallup Poll of the Islamic World for Islamic country data)

What is your opinion of Muslim countries?  (USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll, March 1-3, 2002)

Do you think that U.S. support for friendly, but dictatorial governments in the region has an important effect in increasing support for Islamic extremists among the common people in these countries, or not? (Newsweek, December 6-7, 2001)

Do you think the U.S. should put more pressure on Middle East governments to allow for more democracy - even if it means Islamic extremists might win power? (Newsweek, December 6-7, 2001)

If Islamic extremists DO win power to run the government in their countries, how likely do you think it is that? (Newsweek, December 6-7, 2001)

a) Being responsible for people's welfare would make them more moderate and less prone to violence

b) This would lead to major reductions in human rights and civil liberties in these countries

c) Once in power, they would develop or obtain weapons of mass destruction

From what you know about Islam and its religious teachings, do you think the suicide bombings and other violence by some followers of Islam...(Newsweek, December 6-7, 2001)

Has the war on terrorism made you think that the United States' relations toward Israel should be closer, more distant, or stay the same? (Wall Street Journal/NBC News)

Do you think that a major cause of US (United States) problems in the Middle East today is that the United States has paid too much attention to Israel and not enough attention to the Arab countries, or don't you think so? (CBS/New York Times, Oct. 25-28, 2001)

Thinking about the Mideast situation these days, do you think the US (United States) should take Israel's side more, less, or about as much as it has in the past? (Pew Research Center, Council on Foreign Relations, Oct. 15-21, 2001)

Now, I am going to read you a list of names. Will you please tell me if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of each person or organization? If you have no opinion or have never heard of the person, just say so. (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

"ISRAEL"

Should the United States continue its support of Israel? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

Do you think the United States should increase its support for Israel, decrease its support for Israel, or keep it about the same? (ABC News, Oct. 8-9, 2001)

Thinking about United States policies in general in the Middle East, should the United States consider changing its policies in the Middle East to try to reducethe violent backlash against the United States or should the United States not consider such changes? (Newsweek, Oct. 4-5, 2001)

Is your overall opinion of ___ very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable, or very unfavorable? (Gallup, Feb. 2001)

Israel. Are you familiar with this country? (The Mellman Group, August 2001)

Are you familiar toward this country [Israel], somehow favorable, somewhat unfavorable or very unfavorable toward it? (The Mellman Group, August 2001)

In your opinion, what is the most important foreign policy problem that the new U.S. administration will have to deal with? (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

Have you ever been to Israel? (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

The United States has a special relationship with Israel because the two countries share many common values, including a commitment to freedom and democracy. Do you strongly agree with this statement, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with this statement? (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

The U.S. should continue to play a strong role in mediating the conflict in the Middle East.
Do you strongly agree with this statement, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with this statement? (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

Israel is a small country surrounded by enemies, and the United States should defend the country when it needs us.
Do you strongly agree with this statement, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with this statement? (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

In thinking about Israel's relationship with the United States, which of the following is best reason for the U.S. to maintain close relations (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

What is your main source of information about the situation in Israel? (Penn, Schoen & Berland Inc., and First International Resources Inc., January 25 and February 17, 2001)

How important do you think what happens in each of the following areas of the world is to the United States today -- would you say it is vitally important, important but not vital, not too important, or not at all important? How about what happens in the Middle East? (Gallup, May 21, 2000)

How important are relations with... Israel ...to the US (United States) national interest--extremely important, fairly important, just somewhat important, or not important at all? (Hart And Teeter Research Companies / NBC News, Wall Street Journal, July 24-26, 1999)

Many people believe that the United States has a vital interest in certain areas of the world and not in other areas. That is, certain countries of the world are important to the US for political, economic, or security reasons. I am going to read a list of countries. For each, tell me whether you feel the US has a very strong vital interest, a fairly strong vital interest, not much of a vital interest, or no vital interest at all in that country... Israel? (Potomac Associates And Opinion Dynamics / Henry Luce Foundation, June 16-28, 1999)

Many people believe that the United States has a vital interest in certain areas of the world and not in other areas. That is, certain countries of the world are important to the US for political, economic or security reasons. I am going to read you a list of countries. For each, tell me whether you feel the US does or does not have a vital interest in that country.)... Israel (*Gallup/CCFR)

Many people believe that the United States has a vital interest in certain areas of the world and not in other areas. That is, certain countries of the world are important to the US for political, economic, or security reasons. Do you feel the US does or does not have a vital interest in Israel? (**Gallup/CNN/USA Today) (+NYT)

Have you heard or read about the PLO, that is, the Palestine Liberation Organization? (Gallup, January 1978)

Have you followed the recent developments in the Middle East? (Gallup, January 1978)

Asked of those who have followed the recent developments in the Middle East and have heard or read about the PLO: Do you think the PLO does or does not represent the point of view of a majority of Palestinians? (Gallup, January 1978)

Asked of those who have followed the recent developments in the Middle East and have heard or read about the PLO: Which of the plans on this card would you prefer in regard to the Palestinians?  (Respondents were handed a card listing 3 plans - Plan A: Palestinians should have a separate, independent nation on the West Bank of the Jordan River in the area that was formerly Jordan but is now occupied by Israel; Plan B: Palestinians should have a state on the West Bank of the Jordan River that is not totally independent and is linked with Jordan; and Plan C: They should go on living as they are now, in Israel and the existing Arab nations) (Gallup, January 1978)

Asked of those who have followed the recent developments in the Middle East: How likely do you think it is that there will be a peaceful settlement of differences between Israel and Egypt? (Gallup, January 1978)

Asked of those who have followed the recent developments in the Middle East: How likely do you think it is that there will be a peaceful settlement of differences between Israel and the Arab nations? (Gallup, January 1978)

Asked of those who have followed the recent developments in the Middle East: As a result of the 1967 War Israel now controls land that was formerly controlled by Arab nations.  What do you think Israel should do - give back part of the land, give back all of the land, or keep all of it? (Gallup: June 1977, November 1977)

Has the Eichmann trial made you feel more sympathetic or less sympathetic towards...Israel and the Jewish people? (Gallup, 6/21/1961)