December 13, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe their federal government should establish clear guidelines for the end of the coalition effort, according to a poll by the New York Times and CBS News. 58 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should set a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe their federal government should establish clear guidelines for the end of the coalition effort, according to a poll by the New York Times and CBS News. 58 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should set a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,145 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 15,900 troops have been injured.

Yesterday in Pennsylvania, U.S. president George W. Bush explained his rationale for war, saying, "We gave Saddam Hussein the chance to disclose or disarm, and he refused. And I made a tough decision. And knowing what I know today, I'd make the decision again. Removing Saddam Hussein makes this world a better place and America a safer country."

Iraqis will elect a new National Assembly on Dec. 15. Bush said the ballot "won't be perfect," adding, "A successful vote is not the end of the process. Iraqis still have more difficult work ahead, and our coalition and the new Iraqi government will face many challenges, including in four critical areas: ensuring Iraqi security, forming an inclusive Iraqi government, encouraging Iraqi reconciliation, and maintaining Iraqi democracy in a tough neighbourhood." 47 per cent of respondents believe Iraq will never become a democracy, while 44 per cent think the process will take longer than a year or two.

Respondents are evenly split on the rationale for military action. 48 per cent believe the war was the right thing to do, while 48 per cent think the U.S. should have stayed out.

Polling Data

Do you think the United States should or should not set a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq?

	Dec. 2005	Jul. 2005
Should	58%	55%
Should not	39%	40%
Not sure	3%	5%

Which of these do you think is most likely?

	Nov. 2005	Oct. 2005
Iraq will become a stable democracy in the next year or two	7%	3%
Iraq will become a stable democracy, but it will take longer than a year or two	44%	46%
Iraq will probably never become a stable democracy	47%	48%
Not sure	2%	3%

Looking back, do you think the United States did the right thing in taking military action against Iraq, or should the U.S. have stayed out?

	Nov. 2005	Oct. 2005	Sept. 2005
Right thing	48%	41%	44%
Stay out	48%	55%	50%
Don't know	4%	4%	6%

Source: The New York Times / CBS News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,155 American adults, conducted from Dec. 2 to Dec. 6, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.