Here are some “highlights” from a 2010 Pew poll of Egyptian attitudes as listed by a recent IBD Editorial:
- 49% of Egyptians say Islam plays only a “small role” in public affairs under President Hosni Mubarak, while 95% prefer the religion play a “large role in politics.”
- 84% favor the death penalty for people who leave the Muslim faith.
- 82% support stoning adulterers.
- 77% think thieves should have their hands cut off.
- 54% support a law segregating women from men in the workplace.
- 54% believe suicide bombings that kill civilians can be justified.
- Nearly half support the terrorist group Hamas.
- 30% have a favorable opinion of Hezbollah.
- 20% maintain positive views of al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden.
- 82% of Egyptians dislike the U.S. — the highest unfavorable rating among the 18 Muslim nations Pew surveyed.