Polls & Research

U.S. Losing Ground in Iraq, Say Americans

- Many adults in the United States believe their armed forces are not making progress in Iraq, according to a poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs released by the Associated Press. 56 per cent of respondents think the U.S. is losing ground.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq was launched in March 2003. At least 2,682 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 20,100 troops have been wounded in action.

Afghanistan has been the main battleground in the war on terrorism. The conflict began in October 2001, after the Taliban regime refused to hand over Osama bin Laden, prime suspect in the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Al-Qaeda operatives hijacked and crashed four airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001, killing nearly 3,000 people.

At least 471 soldiers—including 333 Americans—have died in the war on terrorism, either in support of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom or as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 55 per cent of respondents think the U.S. is making progress in the war on terrorism.

On Sept. 15, U.S. president George W. Bush discussed the situation in Iraq, saying, "The Iraqi government just doesn't agree with the hypothesis it is a civil war. They believe that there's, no question, violence; they believe that al-Qaeda is still creating havoc; they know there's people taking reprisal; they're confident there are still Saddamists who are threatening people and carrying out attacks. But they also believe that the Baghdad security plan is making progress."

Polling Data

Do you think the United States in making progress or losing ground in Iraq?

Do you think the United States in making progress or losing ground in the war on terrorism?