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Iraq War Made U.S. Less Safe, Say Americans
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States think the military operation in Iraq did not make their nation more secure, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 54 per cent of respondents believe the U.S. is less safe, a 15 per cent increase since late June.
The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 1,755 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 13,300 troops have been injured.
In October 2002, U.S. president George W. Bush considered disarming Iraq "a part on the war on terror." On Jul. 11, Bush explained his rationale, saying, "We have a comprehensive strategy in place. We're working to protect the homeland. We're working to improve our intelligence so we can uncover terrorist plots before they unfold. And we're staying on the offensive. We're fighting the enemy in Iraq and Afghanistan and across the world so we do not have to face them here at home." 52 per cent of respondents believe the world as a whole is less secure as a result of the war in Iraq.
On Jul. 7, four blasts in London killed at least 52 people and injured 700 more. Investigators say the explosions at three underground stations occurred "almost simultaneously." A fourth bomb exploded inside a double-decker bus. Yesterday, deputy assistant commissioner Peter Clarke raised the possibility of a suicide attack, saying, "We are trying to establish whether (the culprits) all died in the explosions."
Polling Data
Do you think the war with Iraq has made the U.S. safer—or less safe—from terrorism?
Jul. 10 | Jun. 30 | |
Safer | 40% | 44% |
Less safe | 54% | 39% |
No change | 5% | 13% |
No opinion | 1% | 4% |
Do you think the war with Iraq has made the world safer—or less safe—from terrorism?
Jul. 10 | May 23 | |
Safer | 40% | 42% |
Less safe | 52% | 51% |
No change | 6% | 5% |
No opinion | 2% | 2% |
Source: Gallup / CNN / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 489 American adults (First Question) and 517 American adults (Second Question), conducted from Jul. 7 to Jul. 10, 2005. Margin of error is 5 per cent.