Young Arabs want democracy and more jobs

Survey finds majority of Arabs see 'living in a democratic country' as their first priority.

DUBAI - Young Arabs surveyed in nine Middle Eastern countries said they want greater democracy, affordable housing and more job prospects, according to results released on Sunday.

Between 85 and 99 percent of the 2,000 Arabs said that "living in a democratic country" was their first priority, in a survey conducted by the Dubai-based ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller public relations firm.

The firm questioned 18 to 24 year-olds in the six Arab countries of the Gulf as well as in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon last October, said Karen Hughes, the firm's vice chair and a former US under secretary.

"More than two-thirds of respondents were very concerned about the rising cost of living, while the shortage of affordable housing was their second biggest worry, followed by unemployment," she told a news conference.

"Increased public participation was seen as either 'very important' or 'somewhat important' by the vast majority of young people across all the countries surveyed.

The tally varied from 85 percent in Oman to 99 percent in Kuwait, the PR firm said.

Hughes said 28 percent of the total surveyed placed the United States at the top of a list of friendly countries.

Source: Middle East Online.
Link: http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=37676.