Two-Thirds in U.S. Think Bush Lacks Iraq Plan
Angus Reid Global Scan : Polls & Research
March 15, 2006

     (Angus Reid Global Scan) – Many adults in the United States question the way their president is handling the coalition effort, according to a poll by Gallup released by CNN and USA Today. 67 per cent of respondents think George W. Bush does not have a clear plan for handling the situation in Iraq.

     The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein’s regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,309 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 17,000 troops have been wounded in action.

     On Feb. 22, suspected insurgents placed two bombs inside Samarra’s Shiite Golden Mosque. The event has led to several days of sectarian violence in Iraq. More than 500 people have died, and more than 180 Sunni mosques have been destroyed.

     On Mar. 13, U.S. president George W. Bush discussed his strategy, saying, "On the political side, we are helping Iraqis build a strong democracy, so that old resentments will be eased, and the insurgency marginalized. On the economic side, we are continuing reconstruction efforts and helping Iraqis build a modern economy that will give all its citizens a stake in a free and peaceful Iraq. And on the security side, we are striking terrorist targets and training the Iraqi security forces—which are taking responsibility for more Iraqi territory and becoming increasingly capable of defeating the enemy."

     Bush also discussed the current state of affairs, saying, "The situation in Iraq is still tense and we’re still seeing acts of sectarian violence and reprisal. Yet out of this crisis, we’ve also seen signs of a hopeful future. We saw the restraint of the Iraqi people in the face of massive provocation. Most Iraqis did not turn to violence, and many chose to show their solidarity." 57 per cent of respondents believe the U.S. made a mistake in sending troops to Iraq.