Polls & Research

Cartoon Problems Reveal Clash, Say Spaniards

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Spain believe the problems over the recent publication of certain cartoons suggest a direct conflict of faiths, according to a poll by Instituto Opina released by Cadena Ser. 68.1 per cent of respondents think the events reflect a clash of civilizations.

On Sept. 30, 2005, Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten accompanied an article on censorship and freedom of the press with 12 cartoons depicting Muslim prophet Mohammed. The two most contentious drawings show Mohammed with a bomb for a turban, and greeting suicide bombers in heaven. 48.6 per cent of respondents support the publication of the cartoons citing freedom of speech, while 36.4 per cent are opposed because they are offensive to Muslims.

In January and February, several European newspapers and media outlets decided to re-print the cartoons. Public protests have occurred in more than a dozen countries, and the embassies of Denmark and Norway in Syria—as well as the Danish consulate in Lebanon and an Italian consulate in Libya—have been torched by mobs.

Spanish president José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero first introduced the concept of an Alliance of Civilizations in 2004, saying the group—which includes Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan—seeks to "stop all sources of extremism" and "win the battle of ideas and principles." 52 per cent of respondents in Spain believe the cartoon controversy justifies the alliance.

Polling Data

Do you think what has taken place following the publication of the cartoons depicting Muslim prophet Mohammed reflects a clash of civilizations?

The publication of these cartoons in a Danish newspaper made many Muslims angry. What is your opinion on these cartoons?

Do you think conflicts such as this one justify the Alliance of Civilizations?