Opposition to Iraq War Hits 67% in U.S.

Angus Reid

The number of Americans who reject the coalition effort is now the highest since the conflict began, according to a poll by Opinion Research Corporation released by CNN. 67 per cent of respondents oppose the United States war in Iraq, up six points since early November.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein’s regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,958 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 22,400 troops have been wounded in action.

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

On Dec. 6, the Iraq Study Group—a bipartisan panel of experts—presented its findings on how to deal with the situation in Iraq. The ten members called for a quicker process to train Iraqi forces, engaging with Iran and Syria in a dialogue aimed at stabilizing Iraq, and pulling back U.S. combat troops by early 2008. 54 per cent of respondents believe all soldiers should be withdrawn from Iraq either immediately or in the next 12 months.

On Dec. 20, U.S. president George W. Bush commented on the results of recent polls on the Iraq war, saying, “It’s been a tough period for the American people. They want to see success. And our objective is to put a plan in place that achieves that success. I’m often asked about public opinion. Of course, I want public opinion to support the efforts. I understand that. I also understand the consequences of failure. And, therefore, I’m going to work with the Iraqis and our military and politicians from both political parties to achieve success.”

Polling Data

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

Dec. 17
Nov. 5
Oct. 15

Favour
31%
33%
34%

Oppose
67%
61%
64%

Unsure
2%
6%
2%

Here are four different plans the U.S. could follow in dealing with the war in Iraq. Which one do you prefer?

Dec. 17
Jun. 11

Withdraw all troops from Iraq immediately
21%
18%

Withdraw all troops in 12 months’ time
33%
29%

Withdraw troops, but take as many years to do this as are needed to turn control over to the Iraqis
32%
42%

Send more troops to Iraq
11%
6%

No opinion
3%
5%

Source: Opinion Research Corporation / CNN
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,019 American adults, conducted from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.