HISTORIC OPINION SURVEY REVEALS SUBSTANTIAL PUBLIC DISSATISFACTION IN SYRIA

More than 1,000 participated in secret survey conducted in Syria over three-week period


Malibu, CALIF. - August 3, 2010 -- Pepperdine University today announced major findings of the historic “Syria 2010 Public Opinion Survey” commissioned by the Democracy Council. The 41 page report details analysis of the results from a survey of 1,046 Syrians over a three-week period. “This survey is the first scientific polling of Syrian attitudes,” said James Prince, president of the Democracy Council.  
 
Pepperdine University School of Public Policy professor Angela Hawken is the study’s lead author. She notes the report includes four key findings.  
 
1. A majority of Syrians believe that the political and economic situation in Syria is poor, and worse than it was five years ago.  
2. A majority has little faith in the Assad government’s ability to confront the country’s problems.  
3. A substantial majority believes that corruption is widespread.
4. A substantial majority believes that the State of Emergency in Syria should be lifted.  
 
A subgroup analysis found interesting differences across age and gender. “Women were significantly more optimistic while Syrians over 40 were significantly more pessimistic and more critical of their government’s performance. 51.9 percent reported that their circumstances encourage them to emigrate from Syria,”said Hawken.  
 
Other findings confirmed widespread opinion, such as that Syria has experienced a telecommunications revolution with majorities citing access to satellite television and the Internet. A positive finding reflects what Hawken described as, “The vibrancy and diversity of Syrian performing arts with a substantial majority of respondents citing favorite Syrian artists and programs.”
 
Prince cited the need for additional open public opinion surveys in Syria and suggested that the government change its policy restricting such activities. “There is a public good in giving a voice to the Syrian public,” said Prince.

Read the complete report: “Syria 2010 Public Opinion Survey." (PDF)

 
Angela Hawken, Ph.D. is associate professor of economics and policy analysis at the School of Public Policy at Pepperdine University. Study co-authors were Jonathan Kulick, Jeremy Grunert, Sabrina Abu-Hamdeh, and Lindsay Kimbro.  
 
The Democracy Council is a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to promoting rule of law, respect for human rights, and equal opportunity in emerging communities around the globe.
 
For more information, contact:
 
Dr. Angela Hawken
Phone: (310) 506-7691
 
Jim Prince
Phone: (310) 841-0643

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