Polls & Research

Americans Call for Iraq Troop Reduction

- Many adults in the United States believe their country should begin to withdraw the soldiers who are taking part in the coalition effort, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 52 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should reduce the number of troops currently deployed in Iraq.

Conversely, 24 per cent of respondents believe more soldiers should be sent to the war zone, while 12 per cent say no change is required at this time.

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.

American voters renewed the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate on Nov. 7. The Democratic Party will take control of the House of Representatives for the first time since 1994, with at least 229 lawmakers. A victory for the Democratic candidates for the Senate in Montana and Virginia also gave the party a majority in the upper house.

Yesterday, Democratic Pennsylvania congressman and Vietnam veteran John Murtha—who could become the new House majority leader—expressed his views on Iraq, saying, "Of the critical issues we are faced with today, the war in Iraq is the most crucial. (My) position on the war is the reason the Democrats are in the majority today."

Last year, Murtha called for the withdrawal of all troops from Iraq "at the earliest practicable date." 64 per cent of respondents say a major change in the U.S. approach to Iraq is very or somewhat likely.

Polling Data

Should we increase or reduce the number of troops we have in Iraq?

How likely is it that there will be a major change in the U.S. approach to Iraq?