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Americans Back Multilateral Approach for Iran Crisis
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe their federal government should not be the principal player in any efforts to persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear program, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates for the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press.
In the first sample, 51 per cent of respondents say countries in the European Union (EU) should take the lead in dealing with Iran's nuclear program, while 30 per cent believe the U.S. should be in charge. In the second sample, 78 per cent of respondents believe the situation should be handled by the United Nations (UN).
After being branded as part of an "axis of evil" by U.S. president George W. Bush in January 2002, Iran has contended that its nuclear program aims to produce energy, not weapons.
In November 2004, the Iranian government announced a voluntary suspension of its uranium enrichment program following international pressure. In August 2005, Iran resumed uranium conversion activities at the Isfahan facility. In January, Iran removed the international seals from the Natanz site.
In his Jan. 31 State of the Union address, Bush said Iran "is defying the world with its nuclear ambitions, and the nations of the world must not permit the Iranian regime to gain nuclear weapons. America will continue to rally the world to confront these threats." 53 per cent of respondents are concerned that the U.S. might wait too long to deal with Iran's nuclear program.
Polling Data
Sample A - Who should take the lead in dealing with Iran's nuclear program?
Countries in the European Union | 51% |
The United States | 30% |
Other | 11% |
Don't know / Refused | 8% |
Sample B - Who should take the lead in dealing with Iran's nuclear program?
The United Nations | 78% |
The United States | 17% |
Other | 2% |
Don't know / Refused | 3% |
Which is your greater concern when it comes to dealing with Iran's nuclear program . that we will take action too quickly, or that we will wait too long?
Take action too quickly | 34% |
Wait too long | 53% |
Don't know / Refused | 13% |
Source: Princeton Survey Research Associates / Pew Research Center for the People and the Press
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,502 American adults, conducted from Feb. 1 to Feb. 6, 2006. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.
