Survey: Syrians name Israel biggest regional threat; Iran followed at a distance
Israel leads threat concerns
On regional security, 97 percent said Israel threatens Middle East stability, compared with 78 percent a year earlier. The share saying Iran posed such a threat increased from 74 percent to 93 percent.
Residents react to Israel
Before last month’s Israeli elections, Al Jazeera spoke with residents in Damascus. Jihad el-Hamwi said Israel’s approach to Syria had not changed with a change of government.
Support for democratic pluralism
Three-quarters of those surveyed said a democratic system with political pluralism and separated powers would be best for Syria. No other option, including governance under Islamic law without elections, was supported by more than 9 percent.
Overall, 76 percent said democracy was preferable to other systems despite its problems, a 16-point increase from the previous year. Views of Syria’s direction were less settled: half said the country was moving the right way, while 35 percent disagreed.
Those who saw progress pointed to the end of the former government, detainee releases and sanctions being lifted. The survey reported these as reasons respondents gave for their assessment.
Key points
- Israel was named Syria’s main threat by 61 percent of respondents, with Iran at 20 percent.
- The share viewing Israel as a threat to Middle East security and stability reached 97 percent.
- Support for democracy despite its problems rose 16 percentage points to 76 percent.
- Half said Syria was heading in the right direction, while 35 percent disagreed.