Polls & Research

Three Countries Foresee War in Iran, North Korea

- Many adults in three countries believe the United States will eventually become involved in armed conflict in either of two new fronts, according to a poll published in The Guardian. 68 per cent of respondents in Mexico believe the U.S is likely to intervene militarily in Iran or North Korea in the next two years.

In Israel and Canada, 60 per cent and 57 per cent of respondents believe the U.S. will ultimately be at war against either Iran or North Korea.

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 July, the five permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council agreed on a resolution which calls for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment before the end of August, or face the threat of sanctions. Iran ignored the deadline.

Kim Jong-il has been the de-facto leader of North Korea since the death of his father, Kim Il Song, in 1994. On Oct. 9, North Korea—which was also branded as part of an "axis of evil" by Bush—announced it had successfully carried out a test detonation of a nuclear weapon.

On Oct. 25, Bush discussed his policies on Iran, saying, "Iran has a chance to come to the table with the United States to discuss a variety of issues. And the way forward is one that I had made clear at previous press conferences, and that is, if they would verifiably stop their enrichment, the United States will be at the table with them."

Polling Data

As you may be aware, the United States objects strongly to the development of nuclear technology in Iran and North Korea. Do you think the United States is likely to intervene militarily in one of these countries in the next two years?