Quote from AAAintheBeltway:
From the link:
Hereâs a look at the most recent New York Times-CBS News poll questions on the Iraq war. The survey of 1,084 Americans was conducted Oct. 27-31.
It finds that 69 percent of Americans favor continuing the fight for democracy in Iraq, but all but 8 percent of that group also want a change in tactics.
About 24 to 27 percent of Americans want all U.S. troops removed from Iraq immediately, depending on how the question is asked. Another 26 percent want a smaller number of U.S. troops in Iraq, but not a total withdrawal. About 16 percent want to send more troops, and 27 percent favor the current troop level.
Troops to Baghdad? Fully 55 percent of Americans would favor sending more U.S. troops to Iraq if they could help gain control of Baghdad and stabilize the country.
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So 61 % want a change in tactics. Over 50% favor a reduction in troops levels, with half wanting an immediate pullout. Hardly what I would call a ringing endorsement of the administration.
Regarding the 55% who favor sending more troops to stablilize Baghdad and the country, what do they think those troops would be able to accomplish? The current Iraqi administration has vetoed aggressive tactics, will not disarm militias and in fact is in bed with some of the worst factions carrying out daily attacks on innocent Iraqis.
The only strategies that have a chance of success will require a near total repudiation of the whole rationale for the exercise, namely dismantling the "democratic" government and installing military rule. Probably an attack on Iran would also be required to force them to back off. I see little chance Bush will go along with any of that, particularly with a cut and run democratic congress breathing down his neck.