This week’s report consists of 24 surveys including public opinion from across the world on various political, economic and social issues.
Pessimism in reviewing the year 2009 and the first decade of twenty first century is becoming more and more obvious. Two prominent events come forth in the year & decade reviews surveys in U.S. The Zogy survey shows that it is ‘terror’ that defines the whole decade and remained significant factor in lives of Americans in this period leaving grave impact on the nation. While Harris interactive survey suggest that it was the election of President Bush that may be considered as the most influential event of this decade. The pessimism stems from the perception of USA having lost its standing in the world where its influence in world politics declined. These indicators may also be depictive of a public desire to have greater attention paid to economy, unemployment, inflation, high prices, and health problems.
The Swiss ban on minarets seems to have given an impetus to issues of Muslim integration in Europe. After the Swiss, Italian public is also thinking along the same lines. Moreover though France is considered to be home to most of the Muslims in Europe, last week surveys show that the French are also feeling Islam is not compatible with the modern day life style in France. These polls along with several other previously published polls show that Islamophobia is on the rise in Europe. On the other hand, the number of Muslims and their mosques in Europe seem to be on a rise. One can not say which way the wind will blow regarding Muslims integration in Europe, but it will be interesting to ponder whether mere legal restrictions will be sufficient to get Muslims integrated whole heartedly? Will such laws not create a further gulf in the aspirations and spirits of the Muslim immigrants and the local hosts? §
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The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.
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