Poll Shows Turks Dislike al-Qaeda, But Blame Bush for Terror

A survey conducted throughout Turkey shows little of no support for
al-Qaeda and its methods, but ironically, 54% say Bush is ‘the number
one guilty party’ for terrorism, while only 22% blame Osama bin Laden

Sabah (Turkish daily newspaper)
August 7, 2005

Ninety-one percent (91%) of the Turkish public expressed a negative
opinion about the al-Qaeda organization, known for its terrorist
operations.

A poll conducted by the International Strategic Research Organization
(ISRO) under the coordination of Director Sedat Laciner and Ihsan
Bal revealed that none of the participants said, “I am happy with
al-Qaeda’s attacks” nor did any say, “al-Qaeda defends Muslim rights.”

The survey entitled “Perception of Terrorism” was conducted with
2,500 participants in Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir, Adana and Bursa.

Only 4% perceive al-Qaeda’s attacks as “jihad,” and 5% think the
network fights for independence. Thirty-four percent of Turkish
society thinks al-Qaeda harms Muslims, while 57% says its attacks
are acts of terrorism.

Those “ashamed as a Muslim of al-Qaeda’s attacks” were recorded at
18% and 31% say they are worried about the world’s future. Eighteen
percent think Muslims are humiliated by the al-Qaeda attacks, and
those saying, “I am happy with its attacks” was recorded at 0%.

Ninety percent say the bombing attacks that occurred in London,
Madrid and Egypt were “unfair,” while only 3% supported the fairness
of the attacks.

In response to the question, “Why did al-Qaeda attack Istanbul?,” 40%
said, “Because Turkey is the best alternative to al-Qaeda.” However,
36% said, “Because Turkey is a Western ally.”

U.S. President George W. Bush is shown as the number one guilty
party for terrorism, at 54%. Twenty-two percent indicated Sharon, 17%
indicated al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and 4% indicated British
Prime Minister Tony Blair as being most responsible.

Sixty-six percent of participants blamed U.S. Middle East policy
as the cause of global terrorism, yet 20 percent pointed to the
inequality in income distribution and economic problems as the prime
cause for terror.

Only four percent of the Turkish public links terror with religion.