Polls & Research

Iraq Wrong War, U.S. Losing Ground, Say Americans

- More adults in the United States believe their government made a mistake in launching the coalition effort, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates published in Newsweek. 54 per cent of respondents think the United States did the wrong thing in taking military action against Iraq, up five points since October.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,847 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 21,500 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 Nov. 8, U.S. defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld tendered his resignation. U.S. president George W. Bush nominated former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director Robert Gates for the post, saying, "He's a man of integrity, candour and sound judgment. He knows that the challenge of protecting our country is larger than any political party, and he has a record of working with leaders of both sides of the aisle to strengthen our national security."

Yesterday, two suicide bombers killed at least 35 people outside the national police headquarters in Baghdad, and wounded 60 more. In a National Assembly session, al-Maliki called for changes in specific ministries, saying, "I have said repeatedly that this cabinet was not my choice."

Polling Data

From what you know now, do you think the United States did the right thing in taking military action against Iraq, or not?

All in all, do you think the United States is making progress or losing ground in its efforts to establish security and democracy in Iraq?