August 09, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States are satisfied with their government's strategy to deal with the coalition effort, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 31 per cent of respondents think the increase in the number of U.S. troops in Iraq is making the situation there better, up nine points since early July.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States are satisfied with their government's strategy to deal with the coalition effort, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 31 per cent of respondents think the increase in the number of U.S. troops in Iraq is making the situation there better, up nine points since early July.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 3,664 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 27,200 troops have been wounded in action.

In December 2005, Iraqi voters renewed their National Assembly. In May 2006, Shiite United Iraqi Alliance member Nouri al-Maliki officially took over as prime minister.

On Jan. 10, U.S. president George W. Bush introduced his new course of action for the coalition effort, which includes an increase in U.S. troop levels. On Jul. 12, Bush discussed the Iraqi government's progress, declaring, "Of the 18 benchmarks Congress asked us to measure, we can report that satisfactory progress is being made in eight areas."

The U.S. Congress has asked commander of the Multi-National Force - Iraq David Petraeus and U.S. ambassador in Iraq Ryan Crocker to provide a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Iraq in September. 57 per cent of respondents believe the U.S. made a mistake in sending troops to Iraq, down five points in a month.

Yesterday, al-Maliki met with Iranian vice-president Parviz Davoodi. The Iraqi prime minister said the visit aimed to "promote economic ties and other ties that contribute to combating terrorism and its challenges." Earlier this year, U.S. military officials accused the Iranian government of providing roadside bombs to Iraqi militants.

Polling Data

Based on what you have heard or read about the recent surge of U.S. troops in Iraq, do you think the increase in the number of U.S. troops in Iraq is making the situation there better, not making much difference, or is it making the situation there worse?

	Aug. 5	Jul. 8
Better	31%	22%
Not making much difference	41%	51%
Worse	24%	25%
No opinion	4%	2%

In view of the developments since we first sent our troops to Iraq, do you think the United States made a mistake in sending troops to Iraq, or not?

	Aug. 5	Jul. 8	Jun. 3
Yes	57%	62%	56%
No	42%	36%	40%
No opinion	2%	2%	4%

Source: Gallup / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,012 American adults, conducted from Aug. 3 to Aug. 5, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.