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Most Americans Doubtful on Bush’s Iraq Strategy
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe their president has not developed a specific plan to conclude the coalition effort in Iraq, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates for the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 64 per cent of respondents believe George W. Bush does not have a clear strategy for bringing the situation in Iraq to a successful conclusion.
The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 1,774 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 13,500 troops have been injured.
On Jun. 24 during a meeting with Iraqi prime minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari in Washington, Bush said no date would be set for the withdrawal of coalition troops from Iraq, declaring, "We are there to complete a mission, and it's an important mission. A democratic Iraq is in the interest of the United States of America, and it's in the interest of laying the foundation for peace. (...) If you give a timetable, you're conceding too much to the enemy." 49 per cent of respondents believe a timetable for troop withdrawal should be established, while 45 per cent disagree.
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." 68 per cent of respondents think their president has not clearly explained his plan for bringing the situation in Iraq to a successful conclusion.
Polling Data
Do you think George W. Bush has a clear plan for bringing the situation in Iraq to a successful conclusion, or don't you think so?
Jul. 2005 | Feb. 2005 | |
Has a clear plan | 27% | 32% |
Does not have a clear plan | 64% | 61% |
Don't know / Refused | 9% | 7% |
Do you think the U.S. should or should not set a timetable for when troops will be withdrawn from Iraq?
Should set a timetable | 49% |
Should not set a timetable | 45% |
Don't know / Refused | 6% |
Do you think George W. Bush has explained clearly his plans for bringing the situation in Iraq to a successful conclusion, or don't you think so?
Jul. 2005 | Dec. 2003 | |
Explained clearly | 28% | 35% |
Not clearly | 68% | 59% |
Don't know / Refused | 4% | 6% |
Source: Princeton Survey Research Associates / Pew Research Center for the People and the Press
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 751 American adults, conducted from Jul. 13 to Jul. 17, 2005. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.