Ideas and Debates
Ideas.
According to the founders of the Arab Barometer, populations in the Middle East have turned against America, while its great Chinese rival is becoming increasingly popular there.
By Amaney A. Jamal and Michael Robbins*
Published on
American President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meet at the White House., November 18, 2025. REUTERS
Many people in the Middle East have been affected by the series of events triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Tens of thousands of people, mostly Gazans, have been killed, millions displaced, and billions of dollars in damages caused. It is not surprising that the perspective of tens of millions of people has evolved.
A survey conducted by the Arab Barometer in the months following October 7th revealed a dramatic shift in public opinion. As ordinary citizens in the region witnessed the devastating war carried out by Israel in Gaza, they suddenly turned against this country and its greatest ally, the United States. Surveys we conducted in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian territories, Syria, and Tunisia from August to November 2025 clearly show that the changes observed in the aftermath of October 7th have persisted. The people of the Middle East have lost almost all confidence in a regional order led by the United States.
