November 05, 2006

Abstract: - Few adults in Australia are satisfied with their government's decision to take part in the coalition effort, according to a Newspoll published in The Australian. Only 22 per cent of respondents think it was worth going to war in Iraq, down 10 points in almost two years.

- Few adults in Australia are satisfied with their government's decision to take part in the coalition effort, according to a Newspoll published in The Australian. Only 22 per cent of respondents think it was worth going to war in Iraq, down 10 points in almost two years.

As far as how long their commitment to the coalition effort should last, 37 per cent of respondents favour setting a definite withdrawal date, 33 per cent would bring Australian troops home immediately, and 31 per cent believe the soldiers should remain in Iraq for as long as necessary.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 3,068 soldiers from 19 nations—including two Australians—have died during the military operation. Australia originally committed 2,000 troops to the war, but currently keeps about 1,400 soldiers in the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Catalyst.

On Nov. 1, Australian military commander Angus Houston discussed the current state of affairs in Iraq, saying, "If we were to leave tomorrow, the problem would be much greater. What is required is to get on top on this sectarian violence. If that can be done, I think things will improve dramatically."

Australian prime minister John Howard has rejected setting a timetable for the withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq. Opposition leader Kim Beazley has vowed to end the country's participation in the coalition effort should he form the government after the next election, tentatively scheduled for late 2007.

Polling Data

Overall, do you think it was worth going to war in Iraq or not?

	Oct. 2006	Dec. 2005	Dec. 2004
Worth going to war	22%	27%	32%
Not worth going to war	68%	66%	58%
Uncommitted	10%	7%	10%

Now about the Australian troops in Iraq and how long they should remain there, which one of these options do you personally most agree with?

The troops remaining in Iraq for as long as necessary	31%
Setting a future definite date to bring the troops home	37%
Bringing the troops home immediately	33%
Uncommitted	4%

Source: Newspoll / The Australian
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,144 Australian voters, conducted from Oct. 27 to Oct. 29, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.