Since the pandemic hit Morocco in March 2020, the country has been facing crises on multiple fronts, including the public health crisis, the economic crisis, inflation, and the historic drought. Internationally, Morocco made several diplomatic gains in the wake of the United States’ recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. In an historic reversal of its previous stance, Spain declared…
Environment
Algeria Country Report 2021-2022
In 2021, Algeria began slowly recovering from the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the oil price shock of 2020. Algerians remain frustrated with economic conditions, with most describing economic conditions as bad, and a quarter saying it is the most important issue facing their country after corruption. Nevertheless, they are increasingly optimistic about the future, with their…
Jordan Country Report 2021-2022
Compared with other countries in the region, Jordan has long been seen as an island of stability. Analysts have long predicted that unrest must be coming due to myriad challenges over the last three decades. Yet, such events have failed to come to pass. The regime continues on relatively unchanged even as regional events such as the Arab Uprisings of…
Libya Country Report 2021-2022
After seeing their hopes for elections in late 2021 crushed, Libyans are growing frustrated at the incompetence of the political class and its failure to resolve the country’s ongoing crises. Libyans perceive foreign actors as contributors to, if not inciters of, the conflict and want to see Libyan-led efforts to reconcile the country’s divisions. Trust in most political institutions is…
Iraq Country Report 2021-2022
Findings from Arab Barometer’s latest wave in Iraq foreshadow the frustration that peaked in the summer of 2022. Citizens perceive corruption to be as high as their trust in political institutions is low. There is no consensus about what the biggest domestic challenges are, or what avenues provide the best course of redress. But whatever reform the system demands, Iraqis increasingly want…
Lebanon Country Report 2021-2022
Many record highs and lows in views of Lebanese citizens compared with any previous survey in any foreign country, latest Arab Barometer’s survey shows. Among others, all-time lows are seen in satisfaction with the government, interpersonal trust, and economic outlook, while perceptions of government corruption is at an all-time high. Vast majorities agree the status quo is untenable, so what does reform…
Water and food are overwhelming concerns for Middle East, Arab Barometer poll finds
Issues related to water, including pollution and scarcity, are key concerns in the Arab world, according to a study that canvassed the views of more than 26,000 people in a dozen nations. The Arab Barometer research by Princeton University found that while climate change was a worry for the region’s public, issues with a more immediate day-to-day impact tended to…
Climate Change and the Environment in the Middle East and North Africa 2021-2022
Arab Barometer Wave VII results make clear that MENA citizens recognize, and are concerned about, the environmental challenges facing the region. People across MENA agree that both citizens and governments contribute to these challenges. At the same time, the results show a broad support among citizens for more government actions in response to climate change. However, despite recognizing the existence…
Arab Public Opinion on Climate Change (2021-2022)
Key Findings: ▶Water is the biggest perceived environmental challenge facing countries in MENA, followed by waste management. ▶ Citizens hold each other and their governments equally responsible for lack of action on climate. ▶ There is broad support among citizens for more government actions in response to climate change. ▶ Despite recognizing that environmental challenges exist, more immediate issues take…
Food Insecurity and its Discontents in the Middle East and North Africa
Food insecurity plagues majorities of citizens in six out of 10 countries surveyed as part of Arab Barometer’s seventh wave (2021-2022). Majorities from 53 percent in Libya to 68 percent in Egypt report that they ran out of food before they had money to buy more. And in nine out of 10 countries, more than half of all citizens express…
Public Opinion in Lebanon 2021-2022
Key Findings From Arab Barometer Wave Seven: Trust in political actors is extremely low and has fallen over the last decade with the notable exception of the LAF. The economy & corruption are seen as the country’s biggest problems while there is wide concern about growing inequality. Lebanese want the government to lower the cost of living, create jobs, &…