Americans hope for Middle East reforms

Washington: Most Americans believe democratic reforms in the Middle East would be positive for the United States but are divided over whether unrest sweeping the region will lead to greater democracy, according to a survey released on Monday.

The poll, by researchers at the University of Maryland, found that most Americans believe US-Muslim relations are among the top five issues facing the United States. They also would favour greater democracy even if it meant a country would be more likely to oppose US policies.

Of those surveyed, 65 per cent said a move toward democracy in the Middle East would be positive for the United States in the short run, while nearly a third thought it would be negative.

In the longer run, 76 per cent thought greater democracy in the region would be positive for the United States, while only 19 per cent thought it would be negative. A good 57 per cent supported greater democracy even if it meant greater resistance to the US and 40 per cent were opposed.

Fifty-one per cent said they thought it was likely the upheaval would lead to more democracy but 47 per cent said such a change was unlikely.