Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 119

Dated May 09-15, 2010

Zone 3- EURO-AMERICAS

EAST EUROPE

Politics »Political Perceptions

Ukrainians Have Patience with New Government

More than a third of people in Ukraine believe their new national administration needs time to deal with the country’s problems, according to a poll by Research & Branding Group. 37.8 % of respondents think it will take more than two years to improve the current situation.

May 10, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

President, PM Still Very Popular in Russia

Many Russian adults are content with their prime minister, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. 78 % of respondents approve of Vladimir Putin’s performance.

May 09, 2010

WEST EUROPE

Politics » Approval Ratings

Sarkozy Gains Three Points in France

Public support for Nicolas Sarkozy improved slightly in France, according to a poll by CSA published in Le Parisien. 37 % of respondents have confidence in their president to face the country’s problems, up three points since April.

May 13, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

Politics » Approval Ratings

Obama Approval Continues to Show Party, Age, Race Gaps

US President Barack Obama's approval ratings remain polarized by political party and race, and continue to show a significant gap between younger and older Americans. Gallup USA

May 11, 2010

Society » Communication/Media

Americans Reject Censorship in South Park

Many adults in the United States believe the animated sitcom South Park should be allowed to feature any images they want, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 51 % of respondents agree with this view, while 28 % believe South Park should not feature any images that may offend specific religions.

May 15, 2010

Society » Immigration

Americans Value Both Aspects of Immigration Reform

As President Obama and Congress consider whether and how to go forward with comprehensive immigration reform in an election year, a new USA Today/Gallup poll finds Americans placing about equal importance on the two sides of the immigration-policy coin; controlling the further inflow and dealing with the already present illegal immigrants.

May 4, 2010

Society » Immigration

Public Supports Arizona Immigration Law

The US public broadly supports a new Arizona law aimed at dealing with illegal immigration and the law's provisions giving police increased powers to stop and detain people who are suspected of being in the country illegally. Pew Research Center

May 12, 2010

Society » Environment

Oil Spill Seen As Ecological Disaster

A majority of Americans see the massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico as a major environmental disaster, but nearly as many voice optimism that efforts to control the spill will succeed. Pew Research Center

May 11, 2010

Society » Health Issues

The New Normal on Abortion: Americans More "Pro-Life"

The conservative shift in Americans' views on abortion that Gallup first recorded a year ago has carried over into 2010. Slightly more Americans call themselves "pro-life" than "pro-choice," 47% vs. 45%, according to a May 3-6 Gallup poll. This is nearly identical to the 47% to 46% division found last July following a more strongly pro-life advantage of 51% to 42% last May.

May 14, 2010

Economy » Economic Perceptions

"Jobs" Drops to No. 2 on Americans' List of Top Problems

After two months as the clear No. 1 perceived problem facing the country, US unemployment/jobs dipped to No. 2 in May, while "the economy" in general moved back into the top position. At the same time, Americans grew more likely to name immigration (including illegal immigration) as the nation's most important problem, moving that issue into fifth place. Gallup USA

May 12, 2010

Economy » Economic Perceptions

Economic Confidence Remains at High for the Year

Despite the financial crisis in Greece and the European Union, extreme stock market volatility, and the surging price of gold, Americans' economic confidence remains at its best level of the year in early May. Gallup's Economic Confidence Index is at -22 for the week ending May 9 -- matching its April level and representing an improvement of 8 % points compared with March.

May 13, 2010

Economy » Economic Perceptions

U.S. Wellbeing Ties Highest Level Recorded

Americans' wellbeing score climbed to 67.0 in April, the highest level so far in 2010 and tying the all-time high scores found in August 2009 and February 2008 for this measure initiated in January 2008. The April Well-Being Index score is an improvement from the 65.8 in April 2009 and the 66.7 in April 2008.

May 13, 2010

Politics » Political Institutions

Congress Holds Healthcare Bump, Save for Independents

In the US Democrats continue to rate Congress more favorably than before it passed healthcare reform, but independents' ratings have retreated to their pre-healthcare low of 13%. Democrats and Republicans are relatively steady compared with last month, at 38% and 10%, respectively. Gallup USA

May 14, 2010

Security/IR » Terrorism

55% Not Very Concerned About Being Terror Victim

A majority of likely US voters say they are not very concerned or not at all concerned that they or a family member could be the victim of a terrorist attack. The Zogby Interactive poll also found 50% would support increasing federal homeland security funding to New York City, even if that meant their community might see a decrease in such spending.

May 13, 2010

Security/IR » Terrorism

Almost Half of Canadians OK Khadr’s Gitmo Trial

More people in Canada believe Omar Khadr should face trial by military commission in Guantanamo Bay, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 46 % of respondents agree with this course of action, up six points since February.

May 14, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Politics » Approval Ratings

Serra Leads Rouseff, Run-Off Imminent in Brazil

Jose Serra of the Brazilian Party of Social Democracy (PSDB) is ahead in the South American country’s presidential race, according to a poll by Ibope. 36 % of respondents would vote for Serra in this year’s election.

May 11, 2010

Politics » Approval Ratings

President García Keeps Low Numbers in Peru

Less than a third of Peruvians are satisfied with the way their president is doing his job, according to a poll by CPI. 27.3 % of respondents approve of Alan García’s performance as president.

May 14, 2010

AUSTRALASIA

Politics » Approval Ratings

Australian Coalition Pushes Labor to Second Place

Australia’s governing party is now trailing its conservative opponents, according to a poll by Newspoll published in The Australian. 43 % of respondents would vote for the opposition Coalition of Liberals and National, up three points since mid-April.

May 15, 2010

---------------
The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 118

Dated 02-08 May, 2010

Zone 3- EURO-AMERICAS

EAST EUROPE

Two-Thirds in Slovenia Dissatisfied with Government

More people in Slovenia are unhappy with their national administration, according to a poll by Ninamedia. 67.9 per cent of respondents say the work of the government has been unsuccessful, up seven points since February.

May 02, 2010

WEST EUROPE

Only a Third in France Approve of Sarkozy

Public dissatisfaction with Nicolas Sarkozy has grown this year in France, according to a poll by Ifop published in Paris Match. 67 per cent of respondents disapprove of their president’s performance, up seven points since February.

May 05, 2010

Confidence in Berlusconi Below 50% in Italy

A majority of Italians hold little trust in their prime minister, according to a poll by IPR Marketing published in La Repubblica. 54 per cent of respondents do not have confidence in Silvio Berlusconi.

May 06, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

Americans No Less Worried About Healthcare Costs

Despite the passage of highly publicized healthcare legislation into law in March, Americans are no less concerned about paying the costs of a serious illness or accident, or normal healthcare costs, than they were last year. Sixty-one percent are worried about the former, and 48% are worried about the latter.

May 7, 2010

Few Americans Oppose National Day of Prayer

Most Americans either support or are not bothered by the annual National Day of Prayer, which President Obama proclaimed will be celebrated on May 6 this year. Those who say religion is important in their lives widely support the day, while the majority of those who say religion is not important say it doesn't matter to them, rather than opposing it outright.

May 5, 2010

U.S. Job Creation Best since November 2008

Gallup's Job Creation Index finds current job market conditions nationwide to be the best they have been since November 2008.

May 6, 2010

United We Stand ... on Technology

While the U.S. public dissatisfaction with the state of the nation and federal government is very high, the satisfaction with news media, churches and religious institutions is in the low 30s or 20s, but the satisfaction with technology companies outranks all other institutions.

May 5, 2010

The New Demography of American Motherhood

The demography of motherhood in the United States has shifted strikingly in the past two decades. Compared with mothers of newborns in 1990, today's mothers of newborns are older and better educated. They are less likely to be white and less likely to be married.

May 6, 2010

"Socialism" Not So Negative, "Capitalism" Not So Positive

‘Socialism’ is a negative for most Americans, but certainly not all Americans. "Capitalism" is regarded positively by a majority of public, though it is a thin majority. Among certain segments of the public -- notably, young people and Democrats -- both "isms" are rated about equally. And while most Americans have a negative reaction to the word "militia," the term is viewed more positively by Republican men than most other groups.

May 4, 2010

U.S Catholics Show Mixed Views on Pope

Results of a new Zogby Interactive survey show mixed results among American Catholics' evaluations of Catholic Church leaders. Both Pope Benedict XVI and American Catholic Bishops receive largely negative ratings in their handling of the sexual abuse situation with the church. However, pluralities approve of the overall job performance of both the Pope and Bishops. In addition, a clear majority of American Catholics believe Pope Benedict XVI should continue to serve as Pope.

May 05, 2010

The Flu Season That Wasn't

Despite initial concerns about the rampant spread of H1N1 heading into the 2009-2010 cold and flu season, flu reports have been consistently lower throughout this flu season compared with the last according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. April marks the sixth consecutive month in which fewer American adults in Gallup's tracking have reported having the flu the prior day compared with the corresponding months' estimates from one year ago.

May 6, 2010

Approval for Congress Steady in United States

Only one-in-four Americans are satisfied with the way the members of the House of Representatives and the Senate are doing their jobs, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 24 per cent of respondents approve of the performance of Congress.

May 03, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Brazil’s Lula Heads to Retirement with High Numbers

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva remains particularly popular in Brazil, according to a poll by Ibope. 76 per cent of respondents rate their president’s performance as good or very good.

May 04, 2010

AUSTRALASIA

Australians Want Immigrants in Specific Regions

People in Australia believe their government should provide incentives for new migrants to settle in specific regions of the country which need and can cope with higher populations, according to a poll by Essential Research. 55 per cent of respondents agree with this view.

May 07, 2010

MULTI-COUNTRY POLLS/ GLOBAL POLLS

Many See Drug Trafficking Widespread, Rising in Latin America

Gallup surveys suggest illicit drug trafficking is common in communities throughout much of Latin America, including in some of the most well-developed countries such as Chile and Costa Rica. At least half of residents in Brazil, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Venezuela, and Uruguay say illicit drug trafficking or drug sales are taking place in their neighborhoods.

May 7, 2010

Colombia Eclipses Mexico in Murders Close to Home

Despite frequent news of drug war-related deaths in Mexico, Gallup polls show the average Mexican is less likely than those in several other Latin American countries to say a close friend or relative was murdered in the past year. Five percent of Mexicans interviewed in August 2009 said someone close to them was murdered in the past 12 months -- about average for the region.

May 5, 2010

---------------
The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 117

Dated 25 April- 1 May, 2010

Zone 3- EURO-AMERICAS

EAST EUROPE

No Party Able to Compete with United Russia

Russia’s governing party remains remarkably popular, according to a poll by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 52 per cent of respondents would vote for United Russia (YR) in the next legislative ballot.

April 27, 2010

WEST EUROPE

Tories Lead Lib-Dems, Labour Third in Britain

The Conservative party is once again ahead of its rivals in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion published in The Economist. 33 per cent of respondents would support the Tories in next week’s General Election.

April 30, 2010

Just a Third of Britons Back Mission in Afghanistan

Public support for the military deployment in Afghanistan has fallen this month in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 32 per cent of respondents back the operation involving UK soldiers, down six points since February.

April 25, 2010

Millions of UK Consumers Punish Businesses Who Don’t Treat Workers Fairly

Within the committed Fairtrade consumer sector, more than two thirds say they will always or often punish companies for not being socially responsible and nearly a third of mainstream consumers are likely to reward companies for being socially responsible.

May 1 2010

British Sense of Fair Play Helps Workers in the Developing World

Britons overwhelmingly expect fair pay and fair treatment for workers in developing countries, and the vast majority, 86%, feel a personal responsibility to ensure workers are fairly compensated. Within the committed consumer sector, almost nine in ten people believe they can make a difference through their own shopping choices.

May 1 2010

President Sarkozy Keeps Dropping in France

The popularity of Nicolas Sarkozy continues to erode in France, according to a poll by CSA published in Le Parisien. 34 per cent of respondents have confidence in their president to face the country’s problems, down two points since March.

April 27, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

How Americans Interact with Government Online

As government agencies at all levels bring their services online, Americans are turning in large numbers to government websites to access information and services. Fully 82% of internet users (representing 61% of all American adults) looked for information or completed a transaction on a government website in the 12 months preceding this survey. Americans get information about public policies online, download official forms, and renew their license and card online.

April 27, 2010

More Americans Favor Than Oppose Arizona Immigration Law

More than three-quarters of Americans have heard about the state of Arizona's new immigration law, and of these, 51% say they favor it and 39% oppose it.

April 29, 2010

"Enthusiastic" Voters Prefer GOP by 20 Points in 2010 Vote

Although U.S. registered voters are closely divided in their 2010 congressional election preferences, those who say they are "very enthusiastic about voting" this year show a strong preference for the Republican Party.

April 27, 2010

Hispanics and Arizona's New Immigration Law

Arizona last week passed a law authorizing local police to check the immigration status of anyone they reasonably suspect of being in the United States illegally.1 The law has generated sharp debate between advocates who say it is needed to combat illegal immigration and opponents who say it is an infringement on civil liberties and an invitation to racial/ethnic profiling of Hispanics by the police. Opinion polls show that Hispanics are most critical of anti-immigration laws.

April 29, 2010

Pessimistic Public Doubts Effectiveness of Stimulus, TARP

The public remains doggedly downbeat about the condition of the national economy, even as many experts and economists see signs of recovery. As has been the case for most of the past two years, about nine-in-ten (88%) rate national economic conditions as only fair or poor, and over the past year there has been no decline in the percentage saying the economy will stay the same (36%) or get worse (19%) a year from now.

April 28, 2010

Obama Approval Drops to 46% in United States

Public support for Barack Obama fell slightly last month in the United States, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 46 per cent of respondents approve of their president’s performance, down two points since March.

May 01, 2010

Republicans Prioritize Immigration; Dems, Financial Reform

When asked which of three current legislative initiatives in Congress should be the priority, Americans who identify as Democrats favor a focus on financial reform, while independents and Republicans choose immigration. All three political groups give a new energy bill low priority.

April 30, 2010

Few Americans Satisfied with Economic Standing

Adults in the United States hold gloomy views on the country’s finances, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 83 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in the U.S. as "poor" or "very poor."

April 30, 2010

Americans Support Arizona Immigration Bill

Many adults in the United States would like several regulations included in the Arizona immigration bill to be implemented in their own state, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 76 per cent of respondents support making it a crime to transport someone who is an illegal immigrant.

April 29, 2010

Americans Split on Next Supreme Court Justice

Adults in the United States do not agree on a specific set of principles for the country’s next Supreme Court justice, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 32 per cent of respondents would prefer a person with a conservative ideology, while 30 per cent would choose someone with a liberal ideology.

April 28, 2010

Volcano-Related Disruptions Affected 14% of Americans

The volcano that erupted in Iceland earlier this month affected 14% of U.S. adults in one way or another, including 1% who say their personal travel plans were disrupted, 3% who say other plans were affected, and 5% who said it disrupted their business.

April 30, 2010

More Canadians Satisfied with Domestic Economy

Many people in Canada believe the country’s financial standing has improved this year, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 58 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in Canada today as good or very good, up four points since March.

April 28, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Rousseff Gains, Almost Ties Serra in Brazil

Brazil’s presidential election will require a run-off, according to a poll by Instituto Sensus. 32.7 per cent of respondents would vote for Jose Serra of the Brazilian Party of Social Democracy (PSDB) in the ballot, while 32.4 per cent would support Dilma Rousseff of the ruling Workers’ Party (PT).

April 24, 2010

MULTI-COUNTRY POLLS/ GLOBAL POLLS

Views on Global Warming Vary in Three Countries

People in three countries hold differing views on climate change, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 58 per cent of respondents in Canada believe global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities, but only 41 per cent of Americans and 38 per cent of Britons concur.

April 27, 2010

Educating Boys and Girls in the Muslim World

In all eight predominantly Muslim nations surveyed in 2009 a strong majority say it is equally important to educate girls and boys. This opinion is shared by more than eight-in-ten in Lebanon (96%), Indonesia (93%), Turkey (89%), Pakistan (87%) and the Palestinian territories (85%).

Young, Less Educated Yearn to Migrate to the U.S.

Fifteen countries attract about 500 million of the roughly 700 million adults worldwide who say they would like to relocate permanently to another country if they could. Gallup finds the U.S. is clearly the No. 1 desired destination among these potential migrants, with more than 165 million saying they would like to move there, and neighboring Canada is a distant second with 45 million.

April 30, 2010

---------------
The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.

Zone 3- Euro-Americas Summary, Week # 116

Dated 11-17, 2010

EAST EUROPE

Russians Flatly Reject Negotiating with Terrorists

Many adults in Russia are opposed to any kind of negotiation with terrorists, according to a poll by the Russian Public Opinion Research Center. 75 per cent of respondents believe that terrorism can only be eradicated by defeating the terrorists.

April 21, 2010

Communists Gain Momentum in Czech Republic

The Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) has increased its standing in the Czech Republic as a legislative ballot nears, according to a poll by Median. 16.8 per cent of respondents would vote for the Communists, up four points since February.

Apr 19, 2010

WEST EUROPE

Liberal Democrats Slightly Ahead in Britain

The Liberal Democrats have become the most popular political party in Britain, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 33 per cent of respondents would support the Lib-Dems in next month’s General Election.

April 22, 2010

Liberal Democrats Tie Conservatives in Britain

The Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats are tied as Britons ponder their choices in next month’s General Election, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 32 per cent of respondents would support the Tories, while 32 per cent would back the Lib-Dems.

April 20, 2010

Spaniards Reject Government’s Abortion Law

People in Spain are not satisfied with their government’s new pregnancy termination regulations, according to a poll by NC Report published in La Razón. 54.2 per cent of respondents oppose the Abortion Law.

Apr 18, 2010

NORTH AMERICA

Bush Still Gets More Blame for Economy Than Obama

More than a year into Barack Obama's presidency, Americans are more likely to say George W. Bush is responsible for today's economic problems than they are to say Obama is responsible. Gallup shows a significant uptick since last July in the percentage of Americans blaming Obama at least a moderate amount (from 32% to 50%), but little decrease (from 80% to 75%) in the percentage blaming Bush.

April 21, 2010

On 40th Earth Day, Image of Green Movement Still Positive

Nineteen percent of Americans say they are an active participant in the environmental movement, while 42% are sympathetic, but not active. The combined active/sympathetic group has declined some since Gallup first measured this in 2000, but, at 61%, it remains high. Currently, 28% are neutral and 10% are unsympathetic.

April 22, 2010

At 40, Environmental Movement Endures, With Less Consensus

A survey at the eve of Earth Day shows that the Environmental Movement have though survived through the 40 years long period but there has been decline in public enthusiasm for this concern.

April 22, 2010

Party Affiliation Gap in U.S. Narrowest Since 2005

The advantage in public support the Democratic Party built up during the latter part of the Bush administration and the early part of the Obama administration has all but disappeared. During the first quarter of 2010, 46% of Americans identified as Democrats or leaned Democratic, while 45% identified as or leaned Republican.

April 23, 2010

One in Five Americans Fear Job Loss in Next 12 Months

Even as Gallup's underemployment measure shows that more people are getting full-time jobs, 21% of American workers think it is "very" or "fairly" likely that they will lose their jobs or be laid off during the next 12 months. That is nearly twice the 12% pre-recession level of 2007 and about the same as the 19% recorded in late 1982, during another deep recession.

April 23, 2010

Half of Americans Support Afghanistan Mission

Half of adults in the United States are in favour of the country’s current military engagement in Afghanistan, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 51 per cent of respondents support the mission involving American soldiers, down three points since February.

April 23, 2010

Americans Endorse Racial Profiling at Airports

Many adults in the United States support security personnel relying on a passenger’s racial or religious characteristics to determine whether this passenger requires a more thorough review, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 51 per cent of respondents agree with this notion, while 39 per cent disagree.

Apr 19, 2010

Only Two-in-Five Canadians Back Afghan Mission

Public support for the military mission in Afghanistan has dropped in Canada, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 39 per cent of respondents support the operation involving Canadian soldiers, down eight points since February.

April 24, 2010

Canadian Majority Would Legalize Marijuana

Many adults in Canada believe marijuana should be legalized, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 53 per cent of respondents agree with this idea.

Apr 18, 2010

Teens, Cell Phones and Texting

Cell-phone texting has become the preferred channel of basic communication between teens and their friends, with cell calling a close second. Some 75% of 12-17 year-olds now own cell phones, up from 45% in 2004. Those phones have become indispensable tools in teen communication patterns. Fully 72% of all teens2 -- or 88% of teen cell phone users -- are text-messagers. That is a sharp rise from the 51% of teens who were texters in 2006. More than half of teens (54%) are daily texters.

April 20, 2010

Americans Remain Down About Their Financial Situations

Americans' evaluations of their current financial situations remain low, and the 41% who describe their personal financial situations as excellent or good is the lowest Gallup has measured in the past decade.

April 22, 2010

Canadian Majority Would Legalize Marijuana

Many adults in Canada believe marijuana should be legalized, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. 53 per cent of respondents agree with this idea.

April 18, 2010

LATIN AMERICA

Haitians Want Foreigners in Charge of Reconstruction

People in Haiti hold little confidence in their government to oversee rebuilding efforts, according to a poll by Oxfam International. 39.3 per cent of respondents want foreign governments to play the leadership role in the reconstruction process.

Apr 20, 2010

Rousseff Gains, Almost Ties Serra in Brazil

Brazil’s presidential election will require a run-off, according to a poll by Instituto Sensus. 32.7 per cent of respondents would vote for Jose Serra of the Brazilian Party of Social Democracy (PSDB) in the ballot, while 32.4 per cent would support Dilma Rousseff of the ruling Workers’ Party (PT).

April 24, 2010

MULTI-COUNTRY POLLS/ GLOBAL POLLS

Wage Inequality Rampant in Four Western Nations

People in Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States are keenly aware of wage inequality in their respective countries, according to a poll by Angus Reid Public Opinion. About two-thirds respondents in the four nations think women and men are not paid the same salary when working the same job.

April 21, 2010

Global Views of United States Improve While Other Countries Decline

Global views of the United States have improved markedly over the last year while views of many countries have become more negative, according to the latest BBC World Service poll across 28 countries. For the first time since the BBC started tracking in 2005, views of the United States' influence in the world are now more positive than negative on average.

April 18, 2010

---------------
The complete detailed weekly reports of the project can be found on theGilani Research Foundation website.