Continuing deterioration of Egypt's economic situation was the primary motivation behind the country's January 25 Revolution, according to 53 percent of Arab citizens surveyed. Nineteen percent believed political reform was the motivation for the revolution, according to a study issued by the Center for Information and Decision Support at the Council of Ministers. The study consisted of public opinion polls conducted on citizens in several countries including Egypt, Palestine, the U.S., Israel, the U.K. and Canada. The study was titled 'The Egyptian Revolution in the eyes of the world.' The study indicated there is growing interest in the follow up developments of the January 25 Revolution, especially amongst the 96.6 percent of Palestinians and 86 percent of Americans who participated in the survey. The study showed 42 percent of American respondents sympathized with demonstrators who demanded a change in the Egyptian regime. Americans also revealed that 67 percent believe the U.S. should take up a policy of non-interference in Egypt's affairs. 42.2 percent of Israelis believe the policy of silence pursued by Israel during the January 25 revolution was wise, 43 percent of U.K. respondents believe the West's reaction to the Egyptian revolution was appropriate, and 72 percent of Canadians believe their government responded well to the revolts. The study added that 62 percent of Arab respondents feel dissatisfied with the U.S. President Barack Obama's role during the Arab revolts. The study pointed out 33.5 percent of Palestinians believes the main reason for the outbreak of the Egyptian January 25 Revolution is the lack of social justice and democracy. Regarding the expectations of respondents of the situation in Egypt among other countries of in the wake of the Egyptian revolution. Americans and Palestinians are optimistic regarding the changes taking place in Egypt; they consider the changes positive. However, Israelis feel a state of panic and confusion, especially about the possibility of the Islamists assuming power in Egypt. More than half of the Americans surveyed - 56 percent - expect Egypt to be like Turkey, where a Muslim majority controls the country through a democratic system. Only 27 percent said Egypt will be like Iran, controlled by Islamic fundamentalists, and will become an enemy of the U.S. Just over half of the Palestinian respondents, 52.7 percent, believe the Egyptian revolutions, among the other uprisings in surrounding Arab countries, will increase support for the Palestinian cause. 47 percent of American respondents believe the Egyptian revolution will lead to the promotion of democracy around the rest of the Middle East countries. 82 percent of Israeli respondents believe the recent turmoil in Egypt will result in support for Islamic extremism, compared to the 11 percent of Israelis who believe it will strengthen democracy. Finally, 45.5 percent of Israeli respondents believe the Egyptian revolution will negatively impact its relationship with Israel, which could undermine the Israeli-Egyptian peace treaty and even lead to its collapse. 65 percent of Israelis feel the fall of Mubarak's regime will have a negative impact on Israel.
