September 10, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Britain believe the coalition effort cannot be won, according to a poll by Opinion Research Business. 52 per cent of respondents think British troops are not winning the war in Iraq, and say victory is impossible.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Britain believe the coalition effort cannot be won, according to a poll by Opinion Research Business. 52 per cent of respondents think British troops are not winning the war in Iraq, and say victory is impossible.

Conversely, 12 per cent of respondents think British soldiers are actually winning the war, while 17 per cent believe the conflict could ultimately end in a victory for coalition forces.

Britain committed troops to both the war on terrorism in Afghanistan and the United States-led coalition effort in Iraq. The conflict against Saddam Hussein’s regime was launched in March 2003. At least 4,058 soldiers have died during the military operation in Iraq, including 168 Britons.

Earlier this month, British soldiers began withdrawing from the southern Iraqi city of Basra, mainly controlled by Shiite militias. Patrick Sanders, commander of the British battalion fighting in Basra, said 5,500 soldiers will be camped at Basra Airport, in case Iraqi forces require them. Sanders discussed the situation in the city and accused the Iranian government of helping militant groups there, saying, "We are engaged, or we have been engaged, effectively in a proxy war with Iran and if that resumes then they (Iraq’s security forces) will need us to help."

Polling Data

On balance, do you think British troops are winning the war in Iraq or not?

No, and victory is impossible	52%
No, but they could eventually win	17%
Yes, they are winning	12%
Not sure	19%

Source: Opinion Research Business

Methodology: Interviews with 1,001 British adults, conducted from Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, 2007. No margin of error was provided.