Monday, June 13, 2005

Poll: Americans Want Troops to Begin Leaving Iraq

USATODAY.com - Poll: USA is losing patience on Iraq

The right-wing pundits will bemoan the "negativism" of the "liberal media." We've turned a corner. The insurgency is on the run. The Iraqi people are so much better off. Etc., etc., etc. But 6 in 10 Americans now want--at the very least--to begin to pull troops out.
Patience for the war has dropped sharply as optimism about the Iraqi elections in January has ebbed and violence against U.S. troops hasn't abated. For the first time, a majority would be "upset" if President Bush sent more troops. A new low, 36%, say troop levels should be maintained or increased.... "We have reached a tipping point," says Ronald Spector, a military historian at George Washington University. "Even some of those who thought it was a great idea to get rid of Saddam (Hussein) are saying, 'I want our troops home.' "...
• Of those who say the war wasn't worth it, the top reasons cited are fraudulent claims and no weapons of mass destruction found; the number of people killed and wounded; and the belief that Iraq posed no threat to the United States.
In other words, they realized they were lied to.
• Of the 42% who say the war was worth it, the top reasons cited are the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States, the need to stop terrorism and a desire to end the oppression of the Iraqi people.
In other words, they are still clinging desperately (are you listening, Howie?) to the lies.
White House spokesman David Almacy, asked about the poll, said it was "vital" for U.S. peace and security that "we complete the mission by training Iraqis to provide for their own security, and then our troops can return home with the honor they have earned."
Word is, unfortunately, that could take years...

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