Surveys Show Shift in Middle East Public Opinion Toward U.S. and Allies

Surveys conducted by Arab Barometer from August to November 2025 in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian territories, Syria, and Tunisia reveal shifts in public opinion regarding international powers. The polling, led by researchers including Amaney A.

-led regional order following Israel's war in Gaza that began after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas.

Views on U.S. Leadership In most surveyed countries, favorable views of U.S.

President Donald Trump's foreign policies toward the region were low, with 24 percent in Iraq, 21 percent in Lebanon, 14 percent in Tunisia, and 12 percent in Jordan and the Palestinian territories. Higher favorability was reported in Morocco at 63 percent and Syria at 61 percent. Trump negotiated an October ceasefire that ended the war in Gaza, according to the report.

toward China ranged from 37 percent in Syria to 69 percent in Tunisia, higher overall than for the United States. S. 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.

The European Union received favorability ratings from 70 percent in Syria and Morocco to 34 percent in the Palestinian territories, Iraq, and Egypt. Individual European countries varied, with Spain and Ireland viewed more positively and Germany less so.

S. or some partners when asked which country protects freedoms, contributes to regional security, and supports the Palestinian cause. Approval for leaders including Chinese leader Xi Jinping increased, with rises of 26 points in Tunisia and 25 points in Jordan and the Palestinian territories.

The surveys were conducted after a 12-day war in June but before recent fighting with Iran, which involved actions by the United States and Israel, renewed assaults in Lebanon, and missile and drone impacts in Persian Gulf countries.

The report states that Arab publics see Iran's regional influence and nuclear program as threatening, despite some gains in favorability. It notes that the conflicts have affected tens of thousands killed, millions displaced, and billions in damages, primarily in Gaza.

The authors suggest that ongoing wars, including with Iran, and lack of progress in rebuilding Gaza may further influence perceptions.