March 21, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many American adults keep negative views on the coalition effort, according to a poll by Opinion Research Corporation released by CNN. 66 per cent of respondents oppose the United States war in Iraq.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many American adults keep negative views on the coalition effort, according to a poll by Opinion Research Corporation released by CNN. 66 per cent of respondents oppose the United States war in Iraq.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein’s regime was launched in March 2003. At least 3,990 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and 29,300 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. In addition, U.S. president George W. Bush said U.S. forces in Iraq would be reduced by 5,700 troops in December, and announced the possibility of a further decrease in July 2008.

Yesterday, al-Maliki discussed the future of the country, saying, "Iraq cannot be anything but strong, unified and active in the surrounding region. It will not be isolated. As Iraq has triumphed over terrorism, it will triumph in the international arena."

Polling Data

Do you favour or oppose the U.S. war in Iraq?

	Mar. 16	Feb. 3	Jan. 17
Favour	32%	34%	34%
Oppose	66%	64%	63%
No opinion	2%	2%	3%

Source: Opinion Research Corporation / CNN
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,019 American adults, conducted from Mar. 14 to Mar. 16, 2008. Margin of error is 3 per cent.