(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Most adults in the United States regret their government’s decision to launch the coalition effort, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 53 per cent of respondents think the United States made a mistake in sending troops to Iraq, down five points since September.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Most adults in the United States regret their government’s decision to launch the coalition effort, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 53 per cent of respondents think the United States made a mistake in sending troops to Iraq, down five points since September.
In addition, 51 per cent of respondents believe things are going very or moderately well for the U.S. in Iraq.
The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein’s regime was launched in March 2003. At least 4,262 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and 31,100 troops have been wounded in action.
In December 2005, Iraqi voters renewed their National Assembly. In May 2006, Shiite United Iraqi Alliance member Nouri al-Maliki officially took over as prime minister.
In November 2008, Iraq’s National Assembly ratified the Status of Forces Agreement with the United States. The document establishes that coalition combat forces will withdraw from Iraqi cities by Jun. 30, 2009, and will be completely out of Iraq by Dec. 31, 2011. The agreement can be revised if the Iraqi prime minister believes Iraq is not stable enough.
On Feb. 27, U.S. president Barack Obama announced his intention to end the combat mission in Iraq by Aug. 31, 2010.
On Mar. 15, al-Maliki discussed his views on the removal of U.S. troops, saying, "I do not want any withdrawals except in areas considered 100 per cent secure and under control. Any area where there is a likelihood of a resumption of attacks, withdrawals from there will be postponed."
Polling Data
In view of the developments since we first sent our troops to Iraq, do you think the United States made a mistake in sending troops to Iraq, or not?
|
Mar. 2009 |
Sept. 2008 |
Aug. 2008 |
|
|
Made a mistake |
53% |
58% |
60% |
|
Did not make a mistake |
42% |
41% |
38% |
|
Unsure |
5% |
1% |
2% |
In general, how would you say things are going for the U.S. in Iraq: very well, moderately well, moderately badly, or very badly?
|
Mar. 2009 |
Sept. 2008 |
Aug. 2008 |
|
|
Very well |
8% |
13% |
9% |
|
Moderately well |
43% |
39% |
38% |
|
Moderately badly |
29% |
26% |
31% |
|
Very badly |
14% |
21% |
20% |
|
Unsure |
5% |
1% |
2% |
Source: Gallup / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,024 American adults, conducted on Mar. 14 and Mar. 15, 2009. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
