Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research

Aid For Iraqis First Concern For Americans

April 18, 2003

(CPOD) Apr. 18, 2003 - Humanitarian assistance is the principal post-war concern for Americans, according to a poll by the Washington Post and ABC News. 62 per cent of respondents say aid to Iraqis is the most pressing matter in the aftermath of the Iraqi conflict.

Scenes of looting and pillaging in the streets of Baghdad seem to have swayed public opinion in the United States, as 51 per cent of respondents are eager to restore order in the country. The main focus of the military campaign—finding and disabling weapons of mass destruction—is important to 47 per cent. The capture of deposed leader Saddam Hussein is the last issue on the list.

Americans pick the United Nations (UN) over their own government to rebuild Iraq and establish a new government. Support is almost even in the question of maintaining civil order.

Polling Data

Which of these concerns should be more important in Iraq?
(All that apply)

Providing humanitarian assistance

62%

Restoring order

51%

Finding Weapons of Mass Destruction

47%

Establishing a new government

47%

Capturing Saddam Hussein

41%


When it comes to post-war Iraq, who should take the lead in the following issues?

U.N.

U.S.A.

Rebuild the country

51%

41%

Establish a new government

55%

39%

Maintain civil order

49%

45%


Source: The Washington Post / ABC News
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 504 adults, conducted on Apr. 16, 2003. Margin of error is 5 per cent.

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