Arab World Predicts Decline in Extremism and Wants Greater Separation Between Mosque and State Finds Arab News/YouGov Poll

Thousands of Arabic speakers were interviewed across 18 countries on what they felt is driving regional conflict, were major problems for their countries and on the intersection between religion and politics. Thousands of Arabic speakers were interviewed across 18 countries on what they felt is driving regional conflict, were major problems for their countries and on the intersection between religion and politics. Changing Relationship between Mosque and State IraqandLebanon : ...

Thousands of Arabic speakers were interviewed across 18 countries on what they felt is driving regional conflict, were major problems for their countries and on the intersection between religion and politics.

Changing Relationship between Mosque and State

Iraq and Lebanon:

Against the backdrop of protests in Lebanon and Iraq - where deep resentment at Iranian influence has been exposed, culminating in the resignation of prime minister, Abdul-Mahdi, both nations provided distinct results on the issue of Mosque and State.

Future of the Arab World and Extremism

Economic Concerns

The findings were discussed at a session at the Arab Strategy Forum yesterday, moderated by Faisal J. Abbas, Editor in Chief of Arab News, British writer Ed Hussein and Omar Saif Ghobash, Assistant Minister for Cultural Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Faisal J. Abbas said: "The findings of this study, which are perhaps backed by the reality unfolding on the ground in Lebanon and Iraq today, is that Arabs will no longer forgive political exploitation and corruption, and religious parties are no longer an exception."

"When you dive into the findings of this poll, perhaps the events unfolding should come as no surprise. Yes, the Arab World is predicted to remain religious, but people overwhelmingly want religion to be a private matter and source for spiritual guidance, not political decision making."