Polls & Research
Archive Search
New Iraq Approach Urged by 58% of Americans
- Many adults in the United States believe it is time to implement a new strategy for the coalition effort, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 58 per cent of respondents call for a fundamentally different approach in Iraq, while 29 per cent think the U.S. should stay the course.
The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,814 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 21,200 troops have been wounded in action.
In December 2005, Iraqi voters renewed their National Assembly. In May, Shiite United Iraqi Alliance member Nouri al-Maliki officially took over as prime minister.
On Oct. 30, U.S. president George W. Bush discussed the situation in Iraq, saying, "I'll make sure our commanders have what they need to complete this job. If they want more troops, they get more troops. If they want less troops, they get less troops. They are flexible. We are constantly adjusting our tactics to meet the tactics of the enemy."
Yesterday, U.S. defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld discussed the training of Iraqi security forces, saying, "I'm very comfortable with the increases they've proposed and the accelerations in achievement of some of their targets." 43 per cent of respondents believe Rumsfeld should resign, while 36 per cent of respondents disagree.
Polling Data
Is it time for a fundamentally different approach in Iraq, or should the U.S. stay the course?
Change the approach | 58% |
Stay the course | 29% |
Should Donald Rumsfeld resign as secretary of defence?
Yes | 43% |
No | 36% |
Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.