Leadership

Many more had trouble paying for food, shelter last year
Iranians are increasingly struggling to afford food and shelter, and 65% say sanctions imposed by the United Nations, the U.S., and Western Europe will hurt the livelihoods of the country's residents "a great deal" or "somewhat."

A review of key indicators that could help determine the outcome
Gallup editors review the key indicators that are likely to determine the outcome of the U.S. presidential election, putting the current data into historical context.

District of Columbia, Hawaii most approving; Utah, Idaho, least
President Obama's job approval rating exceeded the majority level in 10 states plus the District of Columbia in 2011. His ratings were highest in D.C., Hawaii, and Maryland, and lowest in Utah and Idaho, and declined in most states.

Job approval 80% among Democrats, 12% among Republicans
Barack Obama's approval ratings averaged 80% among Democrats and 12% among Republicans his third year in office -- a gap of 68 points. That level of polarization is the same as in his second year, and the fourth highest on record.

Where Americans stand on 16 issues President Obama raised in the State of the Union
From economic fairness to energy exploration, pride in the military, and trade with China, Gallup reviews where Americans stand on 16 major policy issues and statements President Obama made in his 2012 State of the Union address.

But relations between West and Muslim societies important to many
Pakistanis' increasingly sour views of the U.S. in 2011 underscore how difficult it will be for the two nations to reset their relationship.

Partisans agree on goals and prospects for State of the Union proposals
By 58% to 27%, more Americans say President Barack Obama should use his State of the Union address mainly to make specific proposals for Congress to pass this year, rather than to outline his broad vision for the direction of the country.

Averaged 43% job approval in most recent quarter in office
President Barack Obama averaged 44% job approval for his third year in office, which ended Jan. 19. His third-year average is down slightly from his second-year average of 47% and remains well below his first-year average of 57%.

Approval is higher when residents perceive economic conditions as good
Residents of the troubled economies of southern and eastern Europe are generally less likely to approve of the job performance of their country's leaders than are northern and western Europeans.

Fuel subsidy protests reflect poverty, mistrust of officials
Ninety-four percent of Nigerians say corruption is widespread in their government, explaining the outrage triggered by the government's recent decision to remove fuel subsidies.

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