(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Two topics continue to dominate public opinion in the United States, according to a poll by the New York Times and CBS News. 19 per cent of respondents say the war in Iraq is the most important problem facing their country, while 18 per cent mention the economy and jobs.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 1,716 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 12,800 troops have been injured.

Yesterday in his weekly radio address, U.S. president George W. Bush ruled out any policy changes on Iraq, saying, "Some may disagree with my decision to remove Saddam Hussein from power, but all of us can agree that the world's terrorists have now made Iraq a central front in the war on terror. This mission isn't easy, and it will not be accomplished overnight."

The unemployment rate in the U.S. was 5.1 per cent in May. The U.S. budget deficit was tabled at $412 billion U.S. in 2004, and is estimated at $427 billion U.S. this year.

On Jun. 14 in Pennsylvania, Bush expressed satisfaction with his financial policies, saying, "The tax relief we passed has helped our economy overcome a lot of challenges. The small business sector is strong today because small businesses are paying fewer federal taxes. The entrepreneurial spirit is strong today because of the tax relief. (...) In order to make sure this progress continues, Congress needs to make the tax relief we passed permanent."

Terrorism is next in the list of concerns with six per cent, followed by health care, Social Security and moral values.

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