Romantics in Western media expect "democracy" to flower from the anti-Mubarak rioting in Cairo. But polling shows Egyptians actually seek strict Islamic rule.

According to a major survey conducted last year by the Pew Research Center, adults in Egypt don't crave Western-style democracy, as pundits have blithely trumpeted throughout coverage of the unrest.
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Among highlights from the Pew poll:

49% of Egyptians say Islam plays only a "small role" in public affairs under President Hosni Mubarak, while 95% prefer the religion play a "large role in politics."

84% favor the death penalty for people who leave the Muslim faith.

82% support stoning adulterers.

77% think thieves should have their hands cut off.

54% support a law segregating women from men in the workplace.

54% believe suicide bombings that kill civilians can be justified.

Nearly half support the terrorist group Hamas.

30% have a favorable opinion of Hezbollah.

20% maintain positive views of al-Qaida and Osama bin Laden.

82% of Egyptians dislike the U.S. -- the highest unfavorable rating among the 18 Muslim nations Pew surveyed.