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Muslim Publics Oppose Al-Qaeda Attacks on Civilians, But Approve Attacks on U.S. Troops in Muslim Countries

[World Public Opinion] A study of public opinion in predominantly Muslim countries reveals that very large majorities continue to renounce the use of attacks on civilians as a means of pursuing political goals. At the same time large majorities agree with al-Qaeda's goal of pushing the U.S. to remove its military forces from all Muslim countries and substantial numbers, in some cases majorities, approve of attacks on U.S. troops in Muslim countries, including in Egypt (78-83%), the Palestinian territories (87-90%), and Jordan (66-72%). A key belief is that the U.S. has goals hostile to Islam itself. Large majorities ranging from 62% in Indonesia to 87% in Egypt say they believe that the U.S. seeks "to weaken and divide the Islamic world." Majorities agree with nearly all of al-Qaeda's goals to change U.S. behavior in the Muslim world, to promote Islamist governance, and to preserve and affirm Islamic identity.
2009-02-27 06:00:00
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