(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Almost half of adults in the United States appear satisfied with the way the coalition effort has progressed after their federal government decided to increase the number of soldiers in Iraq, according to a poll by CBS News. 46 per cent of respondents think the troop surge is making the situation in Iraq better, up seven points since February.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein’s regime was launched in March 2003. At least 4,138 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and 30,400 troops have been wounded in action.

In December 2005, Iraqi voters renewed their National Assembly. In May 2006, Shiite United Iraqi Alliance member Nouri al-Maliki officially took over as prime minister.

In September 2007, commander of the Multi-National Force - Iraq David Petraeus and U.S. ambassador in Iraq Ryan Crocker provided a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Iraq to the U.S. Congress.

The U.S. and Iraqi governments are hoping to finalize an agreement this year, which would establish a "security relationship" that would provide a legal basis for the presence of U.S. soldiers in Iraq.

On Jul. 31, U.S. president George W. Bush discussed the current state of affairs, saying, "The progress in Iraq has allowed us to continue our policy of ‘return on success.’ We now have brought home all five of the combat brigades and the three Marine units that were sent to Iraq as part of the surge. (...) We remain a nation at war. Al-Qaeda is on the run in Iraq—but the terrorists remain dangerous, and they are determined to strike our country and our allies again."

Polling Data

As you may know, the U.S. has sent a troop surge to Iraq. From what you have heard or read, would you say the troop surge is making the situation in Iraq better, making it worse, or is it having no impact on the situation in Iraq so far?

Source: CBS News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 906 registered American voters, conducted from Jul. 31 to Aug. 5, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

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