The following is from Gallup News.

One year after Syrian rebels removed Bashar al-Assad from power, most people in neighboring countries say his ouster will improve life for Syrians. Gallup finds majorities or pluralities in Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye expressing optimism about the change.

In Jordan, 60% say Assad’s fall will have a positive effect on Syrians. Lebanon shows a similar trend, with 45% saying the change will benefit Syrians, compared with 34% who say it will not. In Türkiye, 40% say the impact will be positive, while 26% say it will be negative.

Iraq stands apart. Nearly half of Iraqis, 46%, say Assad’s removal will harm Syria, compared with 27% who say it will help. Concerns extend to how the shift may affect their own countries, where residents are more cautious about the wider regional effects.

Security concerns also shape public sentiment. Jordanians remain the most optimistic, with 48% saying security in their own country will improve. In both Türkiye and Lebanon, people are divided. Iraqis express the greatest concern, with most saying the security situation in their country will worsen.

The poll highlights sectarian differences as well. In Iraq, 64% of Shia respondents say Assad’s removal will negatively affect their country, compared with 39% of Sunni Iraqis. Lebanon shows a similar divide, with 67% of Shia saying the impact will be negative, compared with 22% of Sunnis.

Gallup also finds little confidence among Lebanese minorities that Syria’s new government will respect ethnic and religious rights. Majorities of Lebanese Druze, Shia and Christians say they do not expect the new rulers to protect minority groups. Only Lebanese Sunnis express confidence in that regard.

The report notes that Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has prioritized rebuilding international ties, including recently becoming the first Syrian head of state to visit the White House. However, after attacks on several minority communities, questions remain about whether the new government can govern inclusively.

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