(Angus Reid Global Scan) – Many adults in the United States believe their federal administration should not have launched the coalition effort, according to a poll by CBS News. 64 per cent of respondents believe the result of the war with Iraq was not worth the loss of American life and other costs.
The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein’s regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,037 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 15,300 troops have been injured.
In his Oct. 29 radio address, U.S. president George W. Bush ruled out any changes to current policies, saying, "The best way to honour the sacrifice of our fallen troops is to complete the mission and win the war on terror." 50 per cent of respondents believe U.S. troops should leave Iraq as soon as possible, even if Iraq is not completely stable, while 43 per cent think the soldiers should stay in Iraq.
Yesterday in Argentina, Bush discussed his strategy, saying, "My job is to set clear goals and deal with the problems we face. Now, look, we’ve got an ongoing war on terror. And my administration is working with friends and allies to find these terrorists and bring them to justice before they strike us again. We’re fighting the terrorists in Iraq." 62 per cent of respondents disapprove of the way Bush is handling the situation in Iraq.
Other poll highlights: 57 per cent say things going badly for U.S. in Iraq, 48 per cent say Iraq will never become a democracy, 38 per cent say the Bush administration hid "important elements" when discussing the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.