2013-03-18-皮尤-Public_Remains_Supportive_of_Israel,_Wary_of_Iran_8页_344kb

Obama's Middle East Trip Analysis (March 20, 2013)

Key Findings

1. Public Sympathy Toward Israel vs. Palestinians

• 49% sympathize more with Israel; 12% with the Palestinians; 12% say they sympathize with neither or both.
• Support for Israel remains steady since 1978, with Republicans (66%) showing the strongest backing, compared to Democrats (39%).
• Age gap: Younger Americans (under 30) are less likely to sympathize with Israel (36%), while support increases with age.

2. Partisan Views on Obama’s Middle East Policy

• Majority (66%) of Republicans think Obama strikes the right balance; fewer Democrats (41%) and Independents (40%) agree.
• 49% of Republicans believe Obama favors the Palestinians too much; similar views among Independents but lower among Democrats (7%).

3. Attitudes Toward Iran’s Nuclear Program

• 64% prioritize preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even through military action; 25% prioritize avoiding conflict.
• Republicans (80%) are more supportive of military action than Democrats (62%).

4. Demographic Breakdowns

• Religious alignment: White evangelicals (72%) strongly favor Israel; white mainline Protestants and the unaffiliated show less support.
• Age gap: Across all age groups, support for Israel is strongest among older Americans.

Next Steps

The report highlights enduring partisan divides, religious influences, and generational differences in U.S. attitudes toward the Middle East and Iran.