The results of a Gallup Poll survey of more than 10,000 residents of nine predominantly Muslim countries were presented during "The Gallup Poll of the Islamic World" Sept. 24 in McCrary Theatre. Details...
Frank Newport, editor in chief of The Gallup Poll, presented the results of this research project, conducted in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks.The poll examined citizens’ views on the terrorist attacks, the reliability of news reports about the attacks and U.S. military action in Afghanistan. Other questions included favorability ratings of President Bush and selected foreign nations, including the United States. All interviews were conducted in-person and in the homes of the respondents. The poll was conducted in Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
“To me, the significant findings of this survey are their perceptions of the West,” said Newport, who has worked with the Gallup Poll since 1991. “Our general take on this data is that the image of the U.S. and its leaders, in the eyes of these people, is generally negative.”
Newport said the survey found an overwhelming number of citizens had an unfavorable view of the United States and President Bush in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks. Even more important, Newport says, is the belief that the West has little regard for Muslim culture.
“They believe the American culture has little respect for the religious values that are so important to the Islamic way of life. They particularly believe the West condones immorality, free sex and a lack of respect for elders.”
While there was no widespread support for the 9/11 attacks, there was a strong negative reaction to the subsequent U.S. response and military action in Afghanistan. “A large percentage of those we polled believe U.S. action is morally unjustified,” Newport says. The survey also found a sizeable percentage of the population doubts the “official” conclusion in the Western world that Arabs were behind the attacks.
Earlier in the day, Newport spoke to a gathering of about 50 students in Yeager Recital Hall. He reviewed the basics of survey methodology, question wording and testing and the challenges of conducting a poll in many Islamic countries. He said polling was limited to nine countries because of logistics, safety concerns and the uncooperative stance taken by the governments of certain countries.
Newport’s visit to Elon was sponsored by the Institute for Politics and Public Affairs and the Department of Political Science.