May 14, 2006

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Few Americans believe their president can successfully end the war in Iraq, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 30 per cent of respondents have a lot or some confidence in George W. Bush to deal with the issue.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Few Americans believe their president can successfully end the war in Iraq, according to a poll by CBS News and the New York Times. 30 per cent of respondents have a lot or some confidence in George W. Bush to deal with the issue.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,434 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 17,900 troops have been wounded in action.

In December 2005, Iraqi voters renewed their National Assembly. On Apr. 21, the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance nominated Nouri al-Maliki for the position of prime minister.

On May 12, Bush discussed the state of affairs in Iraq, saying, "Perhaps the main challenge is the militia that tend to take the law into their own hands. And it's going to be up to the government to step up and take care of that militia so that the Iraqi people are confident in the security of their country. It's important to have a secure Iraq in order for people to go about their daily lives." Only 29 per cent of respondents approve of the way Bush is handling the situation in Iraq, down nine points in a year.

Polling Data

How much confidence do you have that George W. Bush will be able to successfully end the war in Iraq?

A lot	9%
Some	21%
Not much	28%
None at all	39%
Can't end	1%
Not sure	2%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling the situation with Iraq?

	May 2006	Apr. 2006	May 2005
Approve	29%	30%	38%
Disapprove	67%	64%	57%

Source: CBS News / The New York Times
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,241 American adults, conducted from May 4 to May 8, 2006. Margin of error is 4 per cent.