WASHINGTON, April 20: Many Americans still believe that President George W. Bush is better equipped to deal with Iraq and the war on terrorism than his Democratic rival, John F. Kerry, says a survey report published on Tuesday.

The opinion poll, conducted by Washington Post and ABC News, found that Iraq and the war on terrorism have surged in importance, and rank with the economy and jobs as top voting issues.

Despite signs of concern among Americans about the violence in Iraq, the poll showed Mr Bush's approval ratings holding steady and Mr Kerry's slipping on a variety of issues.

By 49 per cent to 44 per cent, Mr. Bush is viewed as better able to deal with the country's biggest problems. Five weeks ago, those numbers were reversed. By comfortable margins, voters see Mr Bush as stronger than Mr Kerry on key national security issues.