The Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan conducted a public opinion poll between November 25, and December 6, 2008 to identify the viewpoints of the Jordanian public^[1] and public opinion leaders^[2] regarding the impact of Barack Obama’s recent election as president of the United States on American policy toward the Arab region and the Middle East. The complete national sample included 1152 respondents out of an original 1200, as 48 individuals refused to participate in the poll (a participation rate of 96%). The margin of error for this poll was +/- 3%, and the confidence level was 96%.

The size of the complete public opinion leaders sample was 615 respondents from an original 700, with 85 individuals refusing to participate, a participation rate of 88%.

This poll aims to identify Jordanian citizens’ and public opinion leaders’ level of engagement with the United States elections and their expectations regarding the impact of Obama’s presidency on American policy in general but particularly with regards to a set of central issues in the Middle East and the Arab world.  Furthermore, the poll seeks to identify Jordanian citizens’ and public opinion leaders’ viewpoints about the most important issues that Obama must address in order to improve the United States’ image in the Arab region.