A year-long examination of freedom of assembly in Kazakhstan found the government cracking down on nearly all forms of political expression, according to a report released in December by the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law, a partner organization of NDI.

Most Iraqis are moderately upbeat about gradual improvements in security, education, health care and other basic services in their country, but concerns about employment temper the public's optimism, according to recent public opinion research. In addition, sectarian divisions remain a major source of concern and a defining characteristic of Iraqi public opinion.

Somali citizens are eager for peace and security to prevail in their country. They favor a strong national government based on Islamic law, and they see clan divisions as perpetuating the ongoing conflict. They are also evenly divided on the merits of democracy as a political system.