A groundbreaking survey reveals that Syria’s minority communities are leading the charge for peace with Israel, with Kurdish, Druze, Christian, and Alawite groups expressing the strongest support for a normalization treaty following the Israel Defense Forces’ commitment to protect minorities in post-Assad Syria.
The comprehensive study by the Syrian Center for Public Opinion Studies found that over one-third of Syrians now support Damascus signing a peace agreement with Israel, marking what researchers describe as a “significant shift” in public opinion toward normalized relations with the Jewish state.
Minority Communities Champion Peace Initiative
The survey’s most striking finding centers on minority communities’ overwhelming support for peace talks. Syria’s Kurdish, Druze, Christian, and Alawite populations demonstrated the highest levels of backing for a potential peace treaty, directly correlating with the Israel Defense Forces’ public commitment to safeguard minority rights in the post-Assad era.
This minority-led support represents a crucial development in regional diplomacy, as these diverse communities often face significant challenges in Middle Eastern conflicts. The IDF’s protective stance appears to have resonated strongly with populations who have historically experienced marginalization or persecution.
Comprehensive National Survey Reveals Shifting Attitudes
The Syrian Center for Public Opinion Studies conducted their research between April 18-26, surveying 2,550 male and female Syrians representing all age groups across the country’s various regions. The methodology ensured broad representation of Syria’s diverse demographic landscape.
Key findings from the survey include:
Public Support Metrics:
- 40% of respondents expressed direct support for a peace deal with Israel
- 60% predicted that a normalization pact would eventually be signed
- Support was highest in Quneitra governorate, near Israel’s Golan Heights, where IDF forces have operated since December 2024
Economic Expectations:
- Over 70% believe normalization would increase Arab and international investment in Syria
- More than half expect improved security conditions and an end to regional conflicts
- Strong correlation between peace prospects and economic recovery hopes
Regional Security Perceptions Remain Complex
Despite growing support for peace negotiations, the survey revealed nuanced perspectives on regional threats. Respondents identified Israel as the primary threat to Syria (76.86%), followed by Iran (66.27%) and the United States (47.41%). This apparent contradiction highlights the complex nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics, where potential partners can simultaneously be perceived as threats.
The limited enthusiasm for diplomatic infrastructure reflects these tensions, with only 16.78% supporting an Israeli embassy in Damascus and 17.02% backing a Syrian diplomatic mission in Israel.
US Diplomatic Initiative Signals Policy Shift
The survey’s release coincides with significant diplomatic developments. During his inaugural visit to Damascus, US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack proposed a non-aggression agreement between Damascus and Jerusalem as a preliminary step toward full normalization.
Speaking with journalists after meeting Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace, Barrack emphasized the importance of dialogue: “Syria and Israel is a solvable problem. But it starts with a dialogue. I’d say we need to start with just a non-aggression agreement, talk about boundaries and borders.”
This proposal represents a major shift in US regional policy and could pave the way for broader Middle Eastern diplomatic realignment similar to the Abraham Accords framework.
Economic Factors Drive Peace Support
The survey demonstrates that economic considerations significantly influence Syrian attitudes toward peace with Israel. More than 70% of respondents believe normalization would attract substantial Arab and international investment, potentially revitalizing Syria’s war-torn economy.
This economic optimism extends beyond immediate financial benefits. Respondents expressed hope that peace would create regional stability, ending cycles of conflict that have devastated Syrian infrastructure and displaced millions of citizens.
Geopolitical Context and Future Implications
The timing of these findings proves particularly significant given the broader regional context. Syria’s transition following the Assad regime’s collapse in December 2024 has created new opportunities for diplomatic engagement. The IDF’s operational presence in the Golan Heights region, combined with their minority protection commitments, appears to have influenced public opinion in previously unexpected ways.
The survey results suggest that pragmatic considerations increasingly outweigh ideological opposition to normalization. This shift could have profound implications for regional stability and the broader Arab-Israeli peace process.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While the survey reveals growing support for peace, significant challenges remain. The perception of Israel as a primary threat, combined with limited enthusiasm for full diplomatic relations, suggests that any peace process would require careful, graduated implementation.
The strong minority community support provides a foundation for future negotiations, particularly given these groups’ historical experiences and current security concerns. Their backing could prove crucial in building broader public consensus for peace initiatives.
International Response and Next Steps
Israel has not yet publicly responded to the US-proposed non-aggression agreement. However, the survey findings may influence Israeli decision-making, particularly the demonstrated support among Syrian minorities who have historically faced persecution.
The technical state of war between Syria and Israel, ongoing since 1948, makes any diplomatic progress significant. Previous intermittent discussions about reducing tensions, particularly along the Golan Heights, now have stronger public support foundations.
As regional dynamics continue evolving, the survey results provide crucial insights into Syrian public opinion at a pivotal moment. The minority communities’ leadership in supporting peace talks, combined with broader economic motivations, suggests new possibilities for Middle Eastern diplomacy.
The path forward will likely require sustained international engagement, careful attention to minority rights, and recognition of the complex security perceptions that continue shaping Syrian attitudes toward their neighbors.
This article is based on research conducted by the Syrian Center for Public Opinion Studies and recent diplomatic developments in the region. For the latest updates on Middle Eastern diplomacy and peace initiatives, continue following our coverage.
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