New Survey Highlights Humanitarian Impact of Conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan

The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies has released the results of the 2024–2025 Arab Opinion Index (AOI), the largest public opinion survey in the Arab world. Now in its ninth edition, the survey covers political, economic, and social views across 15 Arab countries.

The poll interviewed more than 40,000 people between October 2024 and August 2025. This edition marks a major milestone with the first nationally representative survey conducted inside Syria, helping fill a long-standing gap in reliable data.

Living Conditions

The survey shows mixed views on the region’s direction. About 57% of respondents believe their countries are moving in the right direction, while 37% think they are heading the wrong way.

Economic challenges remain widespread. Around 41% said their income only covers basic needs, and 28% said it does not cover them at all. Outside the Gulf states, many households rely on loans or aid to meet daily expenses.

Democracy and State Institutions

Support for democracy remains strong. Nearly 68% of respondents said they favor a democratic system, continuing a trend seen in all AOI surveys since 2011.

Trust in state institutions varies. Legislative councils received the lowest level of trust at 51%, while the military ranked highest, trusted by 82% of respondents.

Conflicts in the Arab Region

The survey highlights the severe humanitarian impact of ongoing conflicts:

• Gaza: More than 85% reported repeated displacement, hunger, and a lack of basic services such as drinking water, electricity, medical supplies, and internet access.

• Lebanon: About 76% of respondents from areas affected by Israeli strikes said they were forced to flee. At least half reported shortages of basic food, and 41% lacked access to healthcare and medicine.

• Sudan: Nearly 47% said they or their families had been internally displaced since the conflict began. More than half reported shortages of electricity, food, and essential medicines.

Syrian Public Opinion

Among Syrian respondents, between 80% and 94% reported feelings of hope, happiness, and relief following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, while around 80% also expressed anxiety or uncertainty.

Syrians identified economic conditions, security, political stability, and national unity as the country’s most urgent challenges. While some acknowledged sectarian discourse, 41% said it is driven by foreign interference. About 66% said they do not treat others differently based on sect or religion.

Digital Trends

The 2024–2025 AOI also examined social media use, trust in digital platforms, and exposure to misinformation, noting the growing influence of digital spaces on public opinion across the Arab region.