Pew Poll Tells "What Egyptians Really Want"

If you are under the impression that Egypt will suddenly jump into the "democracy" column of world governments, you need a reality check. Here's what a Pew Research Center poll last year found according to an editorial in Investors Business Daily:

• 49% of Egyptians say Islam plays only a "small role" in public affairs under President Hosni Mubarak, while 95% prefer the religion play a "large role in politics."

• 84% favor the death penalty for people who leave the Muslim faith.

• 82% support stoning adulterers.

• 77% think thieves should have their hands cut off.

• 54% support a law segregating women from men in the workplace.

• 54% believe suicide bombings that kill civilians can be justified.

• Nearly half support the terrorist group Hamas.

• 30% have a favorable opinion of Hezbollah.
• 20% maintain positive views of al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden.

• 82% of Egyptians dislike the U.S. — the highest unfavorable rating among the 18 Muslim nations Pew surveyed

How these attitudes will play out in forming the new government is yet to be seen. Pray hard!