Syrians see Israel as biggest regional threat, followed by Iran: Survey

What the report says

A nationwide survey in Syria found that most respondents see Israel as the country’s biggest security threat, with Iran ranking well behind, according to Al Jazeera’s report on the Arab Opinion Index for Syria 2026. The poll was carried out by the Doha-based Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies and the Arab Center for Contemporary Syria Studies, and its results were published on Monday. Al Jazeera said 61 percent of respondents named Israel as Syria’s main threat, while 20 percent chose Iran, followed by Turkiye and the United States at much lower levels.

The survey also found that 97 percent said Israel threatens the security and stability of the Middle East. Al Jazeera reported that respondents overwhelmingly believed Israel is working to destabilise Syria, and most opposed recognising Israel or backing any agreement that would not return the occupied Golan Heights. Views were more divided on the idea of direct talks between Syrian and Israeli officials. The article said these attitudes come amid continuing Israeli activity in southern Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Beyond foreign-policy views, the poll pointed to stronger support for democratic governance, with most respondents preferring pluralism and separation of powers. About half said Syria was heading in the right direction, citing the end of the former government, detainee releases and sanctions relief, while others disagreed. The findings suggest a public mood shaped by war, territorial disputes and the political transition that followed al-Assad’s removal.