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Americans for Peace Now and the Arab American Institute have just released the findings of the first parallel survey of Arab American and Jewish American opinion regarding the Middle East, Israel-Palestine, and U.S. policy. The first thing to grab the reader's attention is how remarkably similar and sensible are the positions of the vast majority in both communities. In fact, in the first question asked "How closely would you say you follow the situation in the Middle East" the exact same number of Jewish Americans and Arab Americans (55 percent) answered "very closely" (with 37 and 38 percent, respectively, saying "somewhat closely").
The poll is yet another, and this time quite stunning confirmation that both groups want an American administration that is actively engaged in Middle East peacemaking, support a two-state solution, an end to occupation and freeze on settlements, and see a peace agreement as a U.S.strategic interest. A thumping 68 percent of Jewish Americans, and 64 percent of Arab Americans, say they would be more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who promised to take an active role in the peace process between the Israelis and Palestinians. While fully 80 percent and 77 percent respectively rate President Bush's handling of the conflict as not effective.
And here is another headline: 73 percent of American Jews, according to this poll, agreed with the statement that "it is vital that the U.S. engage in serious diplomacy with Iran and the international community which could prevent another war." While only 21 percent felt that the statement "diplomacy with Iran is a waste of time, and the U.S.needs to prepare now for military action" best reflected their view. You can read the poll here, and below I have posted a few more of the important findings.
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Taking Note
[The Iraq Study Group] suggested, “The United States will not be able to achieve goals in the Middle East unless the United States deals directly with the Arab-Israeli conflict.” Do you... agree... [or] disagree that a serious U.S. effort regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will help America achieve broader goals in the Middle East?
Jewish American Arab American
Agree 80% 80
Disagree 18 14
Should the United States... support [or] oppose negotiations between Israel and Syria?
Jewish American Arab American
Support 81 84
Oppose 9 9
Do you... agree... [or] disagree that Israelis have a right to live in a secure and independent state of their own?
Jewish American Arab American
Agree 98 88
Disagree 2 10
Do you... agree... [or] disagree that Palestinians have a right to live in a secure and independent state of their own?
Jewish American Arab American
Agree 90 96
Disagree 9 3
Do you... agree... [or] disagree that trying to achieve peace, security, and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians is important to U.S. strategic interests?
Jewish American Arab American
Agree 96 91
Disagree 3 6
Would you... support... [or] oppose a negotiated peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians that included the establishment of an independent, secure Palestinian state alongside an independent, secure Israeli state, and resolved final status issues of Jerusalem, refugees, and borders?
Jewish American Arab American
Support 87 94
Oppose 7 3
Next month will mark the 40th anniversary of the 1967 War, when Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza Strip. How important do you believe it is to the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians to end the occupation?
Jewish American Arab American
Important 65 89