Thursday, April 30, 2009

A poll that will not be featured in the New York Times

A few years ago, a poll with questionable methodology and dubious purposes was ostensibly conducted in some Palestinian refugee camps. It was received with fanfare (the word is from Arabic, from Al-Farfarah, by the way) and enthusiasm in the American press. Columnists were citing that poll twice a day: before and after meals. So this is a comprehensive survey in the refugee camps in Lebanon was conducted by the Beirut Center and it revealed that 89% of respondents believe they will return. Around 90% affirmed their belief in the Right of Return. But to rely on the New York Times to learn about Middle East politics is like relying on MEMRI to learn about the Arab press.