Syrians see Israel as biggest regional threat, followed by Iran: Survey

What happened: A nationwide survey by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies and the Arab Center for Contemporary Syria Studies found most Syrians name Israel as the biggest threat to their country and the region, with Iran second. Key numbers: 61 percent named Israel as the main threat to Syria, 20 percent Why it matters: The survey shows hardening views of Israel alongside a doubling in the share naming Iran as the main regional threat. Respondents were split on direct Syrian-Israeli talks, with 41 percent saying they serve Syria's interests and 49 percent saying they do not.

A nationwide survey by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies and the Arab Center for Contemporary Syria Studies found most Syrians name Israel as the biggest threat to their country and the region, with Iran second.

The survey shows hardening views of Israel alongside a doubling in the share naming Iran as the main regional threat. Respondents were split on direct Syrian-Israeli talks, with 41 percent saying they serve Syria's interests and 49 percent saying they do not.