July 11, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Jul. 11, 2003 - Americans do not think their military is in charge of Afghanistan, according to a poll by Knowlegde Networks for the Program on International Policy Attitudes. 36 per cent of respondents believe warlords still control most of the country.

(CPOD) Jul. 11, 2003 - Americans do not think their military is in charge of Afghanistan, according to a poll by Knowlegde Networks for the Program on International Policy Attitudes. 36 per cent of respondents believe warlords still control most of the country.

The conflict in Afghanistan began in October 2001, after the Taliban government refused to hand over Osama bin Laden, prime suspect in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. A United States-backed government led by Hamid Karzai was installed in December 2001, but true political stability remains out of reach.

Public interest in Afghanistan has fallen in the U.S., as only 33 per cent of respondents claim to be following developments closely.

Polling Data

In your impression, who is in control of most of Afghanistan?

Afghan warlords	36%
U.S. military	26%
Central Afghan government	25%

Are you closely following developments in Afghanistan?

Yes	33%
No	66%

Source: Knowlegde Networks / Program on International Policy Attitudes,
Methodology: Interviews to 1,051 American citizens, conducted from Jun. 18 to Jun. 25, 2003. Margin of error is 3 per cent.