Despite the Arab Spring and withering criticism, Turkey is as popular as ever in the Arab world. A newly released poll finds that Arabs see Turkey as a champion of regional peace and role model for religion and democracy living side by side. Conducted among 2,323 people in 16 Arab countries over the last three months of 2011 by the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation, the survey found that 78 percent approved of Turkey and its policies. Turkey scored highest in countries where the Arab Spring has ended the rule of dictators and politics is in flux. In Libya, Turkey had a 93% approval rating even though Ankara was late in joining the no-fly zone campaign that was instrumental in ousting Muamar Gaddafi. Turkey had a 91% rating in Tunisia and 86% rating in Egypt.