Arab Barometer Survey Reveals Shift in Arab Public Opinion Toward U.S. and Allies

A survey by Arab Barometer, co-led by Amaney A. Jamal and Michael Robbins, shows changes in public opinion across Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian territories, Syria, and Tunisia. The polling, conducted between August and November 2025, follows the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel and related conflicts.

Respondents reported lower confidence in the United States compared to previous years.

In most surveyed countries, favorable views of U.S. President Donald Trump's foreign policies ranged from 12 percent in Jordan and the Palestinian territories to 24 percent in Iraq. Higher rates were reported in Morocco at 63 percent and Syria at 61 percent.

Favorability toward the European Union varied, with 70 percent in Syria and Morocco, down to 34 percent in the Palestinian territories, Iraq, and Egypt. Individual European countries' ratings differed based on their positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Spain and Ireland viewed more positively and Germany less so.

China received higher favorability, ranging from 37 percent in Syria to 69 percent in Tunisia. Russia's ratings outperformed the United States in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, and Tunisia. Iran's favorability was highest in Tunisia at 55 percent and lowest in Syria at 5 percent, with increases over five years in Iraq by 20 points and in the Palestinian territories by 12 points.

Approval for Chinese leader Xi Jinping's policies increased by 26 points in Tunisia, 25 points in Jordan and the Palestinian territories, 19 points in Morocco, and 5 points in Iraq over the last five years.

The survey indicates that Arab publics selected China, Iran, and Russia more often than the United States when asked which country protects freedoms, contributes to regional security, and supports the Palestinian cause. The authors noted that views on Iran's regional influence and nuclear program remain threatening to many respondents.

The polling occurred after a 12-day war in June 2025 but before recent fighting with Iran. Events such as the war in Gaza, which ended with an October 2025 cease-fire negotiated by the Trump administration, and ongoing conflicts have influenced these opinions.

The survey reports that tens of thousands have been killed, millions displaced, and billions in damages inflicted since October 2023.

Arab Barometer data suggests that public opinion may constrain Arab leaders, who are concerned about mass protests. The authors stated that open cooperation with the United States could become riskier for these governments. They recommended that Washington seek an end to the conflict with Iran and work toward a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to maintain regional partnerships.