The Nation - News from Feb. 16, 1986

International tensions were considered by 30% of Americans as the most pressing problems facing the nation, according to the latest Gallup Poll. That figure is up sharply from last October, when 20% cited foreign affairs as the major issues. The most significant problems cited by the January survey were the threat of nuclear war and the arms race (11%), terrorism (6%) and the problems in the Middle East (5%). Unemployment and the fear of recession were cited by 18%, down from 24% in October. The budget deficit was named by 11%, down from a peak of 16% in January and October last year.