March 18, 2006

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe it is time to end their country's participation in the coalition effort, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates for the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 50 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should bring its troops home as soon as possible, up four points in a month.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe it is time to end their country's participation in the coalition effort, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates for the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 50 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should bring its troops home as soon as possible, up four points in a month.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,314 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 17,100 troops have been wounded in action. 49 per cent of respondents think the U.S. made the wrong decision in using military force against Iraq.

On Mar. 16, U.S. president George W. Bush discussed the state of affairs in Iraq, saying, "We've got a comprehensive strategy to help that country rebuild its economy. And we've got a strategy to train Iraqis so they can defend their freedom. We fight a terrorist, an enemy that has got only one weapon. They can't beat us on the battlefield. But they have the capacity and the willingness to kill innocent life." 70 per cent of respondents believe Bush does not have a clear plan for bringing the situation in Iraq to a successful conclusion.

Polling Data

Do you think the U.S. should keep military troops in Iraq until the situation has stabilized, or do you think the U.S. should bring its troops home as soon as possible?

	Mar. 2006	Feb. 2006	Jan. 2006
Keep troops in Iraq	44%	50%	48%
Bring troops home	50%	46%	48%
Don't know / Refused	6%	4%	4%

Do you think the U.S. made the right decision or the wrong decision in using military force against Iraq?

	Mar. 2006	Feb. 2006	Jan. 2006
Right Decision	45%	51%	45%
Wrong Decision	49%	44%	47%
Don't know / Refused	6%	5%	8%

Do you think George W. Bush has a clear plan for bringing the situation in Iraq to a successful conclusion, or don't you think so?

	Mar. 2006	Dec. 2005	Sept. 2005
Has a clear plan	23%	28%	30%
Does not have a clear plan	70%	66%	63%
Don't know / Refused	7%	6%	7%

Source: Princeton Survey Research Associates / Pew Research Center for the People and the Press
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,405 American adults, conducted from Mar. 8 to Mar. 12, 2006. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.

Complete Poll (PDF)

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