Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 113

EAST EUROPE
Ukrainians Likely Support Move Away From NATO
Ukrainians may support their new government's plans to prohibit the country from joining military alliances, which would effectively end its six-year pursuit of NATO membership. Residents in May 2009 were more than twice as likely to see NATO as a threat (40%) than as protection (17%). One in three said it was neither.
April 2, 2010
Ukraine Says 'No' to NATO
Pew found that half of Ukrainians (51%) opposed their country's admission to NATO, while only 28% favored such a step. Moreover, given the opposition to membership, it is not surprising that about half of Ukrainians (51%) gave NATO an unfavorable rating.
March 29, 2010
Russians Don’t Want Closer Ties with U.S.
Few people in Russia want their country to seek improved relations with the United States, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. Only 14 per cent of respondents advocate for closer bi-lateral ties, down 10 points since March 2003.
April 01, 2010
WEST EUROPE
Germans Reject Monetary Aid to Greece
Over two thirds of people in Germany oppose a plan to give monetary aid to Greece, according to a poll by Forsa released by Stern. 68 per cent of respondents reject the notion of Germany providing Greece with financial assistance.
April 03, 2010
Tories No Longer Lead by Double-Digits in Britain
The opposition Conservative Party remains ahead of its rivals in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 37 per cent of respondents would support the Tories in this year’s election to the House of Commons.
April 02, 2010
NORTH AMERICA
Most Americans Worried About Economic Conditions
Many adults in the United States remain concerned about the country’s financial standing, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 81 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in the U.S. as poor or very poor.
March 30, 2010
One-in-Four Americans Approve of U.S. Congress
More Americans are content with the work of their legislative branch this month, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 24 per cent of respondents approve of the performance of Congress, up six points since February.
March 29, 2010
Obama Approval Steady at 48% in U.S.
Public support for Barack Obama did not go to any significant shifts in the United States this month, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 48 per cent of respondents approve of their president’s performance.
March 28, 2010
Chronic Conditions Linked to Cancer
Americans who report having been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes are roughly twice as likely to report a cancer diagnosis as those who have not been diagnosed with these conditions, according to Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index data.
April 1, 2010
Blame Spread Around for Post-Healthcare Vandalism, Threats
Americans hold all sides of the healthcare reform battle responsible for the rash of threatening e-mails, phone calls, and vandalism that erupted last week after the healthcare bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. Roughly half (49%) say controversial political maneuvers by Democratic leaders to secure the votes they needed were a major reason. Nearly as many blame harsh criticism of the bill by both conservative media commentators and Republican leaders.
March 30, 2010
Americans Remain Concerned About Costs of Healthcare Bill
One week after the passage of historic new healthcare legislation, Americans remain worried about the bill's effect on costs -- both for the nation as a whole and for them personally. A majority of Americans say healthcare costs in the U.S. and the federal budget deficit will get worse as a result of the bill. Half of Americans believe that healthcare costs for themselves and their families will get worse.
March 30, 2010
Pope Benedict Favorable Rating Drops to 40% in U.S.
A new low of 40% of Americans view Pope Benedict XVI favorably amid new criticism about the Roman Catholic Church's handling of child sex abuse by priests. Now, nearly as many Americans have an unfavorable view of the pope as have a favorable view.
March 31, 2010
Republicans Move Ahead in 2010 Vote for Congress
Registered voters now say they prefer the Republican to the Democratic candidate in their district by 47% to 44% in the midterm congressional elections, the first time the GOP has led in 2010 election preferences since Gallup began weekly tracking of these in March.
April 1, 2010
Congress in a Word
When Pew asked Americans to provide a one word description of their impression of Congress, 86 percent of respondents said something negative while just 4 percent gave a positive word. The three most frequently offered terms were dysfunctional (21 people offered this), corrupt (20) and some version of selfish (19). Many of the words reflected perceptions that Congress has been unable or unwilling to enact legislation (inept, confusing, gridlock, etc.).
March 22, 2010
Most Canadians Support Quebec’s Veil Ban
People in Canada agree with Quebec’s proposal to instruct people to show their faces in order to receive government services, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 80 per cent of respondents approve of this legislation.
March 29, 2010
Canadians Oppose Afghan Combat Beyond 2011
People in Canada reject the possibility of extending the country’s military commitment in Afghanistan beyond the current timetable, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 79 per cent of respondents oppose Canadian troops taking part in a combat mission after 2011.
April 03, 2010
Most Canadians Pleased with Economic Conditions
A majority of people in Canada believe the country’s financial standing is satisfactory, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 54 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in Canada today as good or very good, up two points since February.
April 01, 2010
LATIN AMERICA
Brazilians Just Enamoured with Lula
With a presidential election in the horizon for Brazil, the popularity of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva keeps growing, according to a poll by Datafolha published in Folha de Sao Paulo. 76 per cent of respondents say Lula’s presidency has been good or very good, up four points since February.
April 03, 2010
Brazil’s Rousseff is Becoming a Stronger Contender
The first round of the next presidential election in Brazil could be a tight contest, according to a poll by Ibope. 35 per cent of respondents would vote for Jose Serra of the Brazilian Party of Social Democracy (PSDB), while 30 per cent would support Dilma Rousseff of the Workers’ Party (PT).
April 01, 2010
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The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.