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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Opposition to Iraq War at 62% in U.S.
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - More adults in the United States are disappointed with their government's decision to go to war in Iraq, according to a poll by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News. 62 per cent of respondents think the conflict was not worth fighting, up five points since March.
For the first time since the conflict began, fewer than four-in-ten Americans believe the war with Iraq was worth fighting.
The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,454 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 17,900 troops have been wounded in action. 76 per cent of respondents think there have been an unacceptable number of U.S. military casualties in Iraq.
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 17, U.S. president George W. Bush discussed the situation in Iraq, saying, "It's tough work. It's tough work to help a young country go from tyranny to democracy. But it's worth it. Free countries are peaceful countries. Free countries will lay the foundation of peace for our children and grandchildren."
Polling Data
All in all, considering the costs to the United States versus the benefits to the United States, do you think the war with Iraq was worth fighting, or not?
May 15 | Apr. 9 | Mar. 5 | |
Worth fighting | 37% | 41% | 42% |
Not worth fighting | 62% | 58% | 57% |
No opinion | 1% | 1% | 1% |
Again thinking about the goals versus the costs of the war, so far in your opinion has there been an acceptable or unacceptable number of U.S. military casualties in Iraq?
May 2006 | Nov. 2005 | Aug. 2005 | |
Acceptable | 22% | 25% | 30% |
Unacceptable | 76% | 73% | 68% |
No opinion | 2% | 2% | 2% |
Source: TNS / Washington Post / ABC News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,103 American adults, conducted from May 11 to May 15, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.