February 24, 2006

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe the coalition effort should end soon, according to a poll by the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute. 47.8 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should pull out of Iraq now, while 44.1 per cent disagree.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe the coalition effort should end soon, according to a poll by the Sacred Heart University Polling Institute. 47.8 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should pull out of Iraq now, while 44.1 per cent disagree.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,286 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 16,800 troops have been wounded in action.

On Jan. 31 during his State of the Union address, U.S. president George W. Bush said a "sudden withdrawal of our forces from Iraq would abandon our Iraqi allies to death and prison." There are currently 132,000 American soldiers in the country.

On Feb. 22, suspected insurgents placed two bombs inside Samarra's Shiite Golden Mosque. The event has led to two days of sectarian violence. More than 130 people have died, and more than 180 Sunni mosques have been destroyed.

Yesterday, Bush appealed for calm, declaring, "The voices of reason from all aspects of Iraqi life understand that this bombing is intended to create civil strife. (...) I do want to assure the Iraqi people that the U.S. government is serious in our commitment in helping to rebuild that holy site. We understand its importance to Iraqi society and we want to stand side-by-side with the government in making sure that beautiful dome is restored."

Polling Data

Do you think the United States should pull out of Iraq now?

Yes	47.8%
No	44.1%
Unsure	8.1%

Source: Sacred Heart University Polling Institute
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted from Feb. 9 to Feb. 15, 2006. Margin for error is 3 per cent.