Poll: 61% Say Arab Unrest Will Hurt US

The grass-roots uprisings in the Mideast and North Africa that have drawn support from President Barack Obama may or may not usher democracy into those areas. But 61 percent of likely voters believe the social tumult will create difficulties for the U.S., according to a new poll conducted for The Hill.

Just 20 percent think the turmoil will benefit the United States, and the remaining 19 percent are uncertain.

The poll was taken last Thursday evening, several hours after Obama delivered a speech saying U.S. policy will “promote reform across the region, and support transitions to democracy.”

The survey showed that 42 percent of voters think the United States should support governments that embrace democracy, even if the outcome is unclear, while 35 percent maintain we should pursue our interests, accepting undemocratic rulers who back American policy.