Summary
Since Libya and Egypt have been dominating the news in the region during the past months, it is hardly surprising that more than 80% of Dutch people have recently gained more insight into the situation in these two countries. Moreover, two out of every three Dutch people say they have gained more insight into the situation in Tunisia, the first country in which a (successful) popular revolution took place.
However, Dutch people are concerned about these developments: this concern is more for Dutch society as a whole than for themselves as individuals. More specifically, Dutch people are afraid that the price of oil will go up, that there will be an increased danger of terrorism and radicalisation, and that large flows of refugees will come here, although they are less concerned about this last possibility. Dutch people are also worried (to a lesser extent) about the effects the unrest in the region will have on them personally.
Although the image of Egyptians and Tunisians has improved, the image of the countries themselves is less positive
Although the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa has not had a positive effect on these countries’ image, it has served to improve the image of the people there. This is especially true of the people in Egypt and Tunisia. Dutch people’s perception of them has become more positive during the past months, particularly with respect to their democratic views. It may not come as a surprise that the image of the countries themselves is less favourable: that of Libya in particular has suffered considerable damage.
Therefore, Dutch people are not by definition sceptical about the democratic convictions held by people in the countries in the region. This has also emerged from the fact that 42% of the respondents are of the opinion that the people of Turkey as a “bridgehead” hold democratic views. Besides the Turks, Dutch people regard Egyptians and Tunisians as more democratic than e.g. the Russians and the Chinese.
Viewing frequency for Al Jazeera increased, opinions divided on the quality of the coverage
More than 50% of Dutch people have seen, heard or read about Al Jazeera English, although this does not mean that everyone in this group actually watches this channel now and again. However, it has emerged that viewing frequency has substantially increased during the past months. Whereas about 13% of all Dutch people tuned in to Al Jazeera English this time last year, this percentage has now increased to 18% of all Dutch people.
There is a great deal of uncertainty with respect to the quality of Al Jazeera’s coverage. About half (48%) of those who are familiar with Al Jazeera were unable to respond to the proposition that “Al Jazeera gives a better account of developments in the Arab world than Western media”. However, the number of people who agree with this proposition (37%) is far greater than the number who disagree (15%). Is Al Jazeera’s coverage biased? Many people who are familiar with this channel are unable to say, while the number who agree with this proposition is exactly the same as the number who disagree (26%). |