The Peninsula reports:

A growing number of Gulf citizens are frightened and pessimistic about the “Arab Spring”, according to an opinion poll, commissioned by The Doha Debates.

More than half of the respondents in the GCC countries said they would be too scared to demonstrate against their rulers — almost as many in the region doubt that the uprisings will result in real political change.

The results contrasted markedly with other parts of the Middle East. In North Africa more than 70 percent felt that change had begun and that they were entering “a new era in the Arab world.” Eighty-five percent believe Arab states will be more democratic in five years time.

The widely-differing opinions emerged in an online survey, conducted by YouGov between June 7 and June 13. Over 1000 respondents from 17 Arab states took part.

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