How is Germany seen by people in the Middle East and North Africa?

A recent survey across seven countries in the Middle East and North Africa reveals Germany enjoys a surprisingly positive image. However, respondents view the country as primarily driven by interests rather than ideals. Germany's image is generally favorable across much of the region, according to a survey conducted by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, a German political organization closely linked with the conservative Christian Democrats.

In Syria, 73% of respondents had a positive view of Germany, followed closely by Tunisia where around 70% expressed a favorable opinion. Approval was lowest in the Palestinian Territories at 38%. Despite this overall goodwill, few saw Germany as a major political player in the region. One of the most surprising findings was that Germany's relationship with Israel did not significantly influence perceptions.

Instead, most respondents associated German policies with economic interests rather than support for Israel, even in the Palestinian Territories where Germany received its lowest approval rating. The survey indicates that while Israel is frequently identified as the greatest threat to regional security, Germany is not viewed as a "one-dimensional ally" of the Israeli state.

Economic growth and unemployment were consistently identified as the most pressing challenges facing the countries and territories surveyed, while there was broad support for attracting more foreign investment. The survey also highlights a broader challenge facing Europe, as EU countries generally received positive ratings but were rarely seen as influential.

Germany fits this pattern particularly well, with high approval ratings while perceptions of German influence remained low. In some countries, such as Syria and Tunisia, Germany was among the most popular foreign countries but was still seen as having limited political weight. The survey found that while China enjoys exceptionally high approval ratings across much of the region, it is similarly viewed as having limited political influence.