Polls & Research

Most Americans Would Pull Troops Out of Iraq

- Most adults in the United States believe their country's participation in the coalition effort should come to an end soon or over the next 12 months, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 28 per cent of respondents support bringing home all soldiers from Iraq immediately.

In addition, 26 per cent of respondents support a withdrawal over the next year, and 32 per cent believe all troops should stay in Iraq until the mission is finished.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,851 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.

Yesterday, U.S. president George W. Bush refused to establish a timetable for the end of the coalition effort, saying, "I believe that it's important for us to succeed in Iraq, not only for our security, but for the security of the Middle East. (...) I believe it is very important, though, for people making suggestions to recognize that the best military options depend upon the conditions on the ground."

Also yesterday, Democratic California congresswoman Nancy Pelosi—who is expected to become House speaker—endorsed Democratic Pennsylvania congressman and Vietnam veteran John Murtha for the position of House majority leader. In a letter, Pelosi said Murtha "changed the national debate" on the Iraq war when he called for the withdrawal of all troops from Iraq "at the earliest practicable date" late last year.

Polling Data

When should troops be brought home from Iraq?