A Majority of Iraqis Support Violent Attacks on U.S. Forces
These figures answer any and all questions about an ongoing occupation quickly and decisively. Why isn’t this central to the debate and decision making on our presence in Iraq? Since a majority favors attacks on our soldiers, we must assume that a rapid U.S. exit tops the Iraqi public opinion charts.
USA Today 5/05 - WPO.Org 1/06 - WPO.Org 9/06
This is outrageous. How can we ask our soldiers to serve extended duty in a nation where a majority of the people endorses to attacking them? Why isn’t this headline news daily? Why isn’t action on this clearly stated opinion at the center of the current debate on our future in Iraq? What on earth is any politician or governmental official thinking who supports staying in Iraq when a majority of Iraqis endorse attacks on U.S. forces?
Widespread exposure and analysis of this clearly stated opinion by the Iraqi people would change U.S. public opinion rapidly and permanently. Where are our leaders?
A Majority of Iraqis Want the United States Out Without Delay
The open support of deadly force against our troops is as much information as we need to reach a rational decision on leaving. It’s more than enough information to discard the absurd argument for an extended timetable prior to departure. But for the sake of the quibblers, who use any argument to prolong this tragic conflict, let’s see what the Iraqi’s think.
May 05 and 1st{{ Sep 06 poll – immediate exit of US forces;
2nd Sep 06 poll – leave in less than 1 year.
USA Today 5/05 – US State Dept 9/06 - WPO.Org 9/06
In mid 2005 just over 50% of the Iraqi people wanted us out immediately. By September 2006, 65% wanted us out immediately according to a non published U.S. Department of State public opinion poll. Also in September 2006, the World Polling Organization released their findings showing 71% of Iraqis want us out in less than a year. The 71% figure was divided into segments: 37% preferring an exit in less than six months and 34% between six months and a year.
Withheld from the U.S. public, the Washington Post gained access to the U.S. State Department poll and published the most salient result, out now. The Post headline above is a double entendre of sorts: Leaders' Views Out of Step With Public. While this refers to Iraqi leaders, it is just as accurate a description of our leaders.
Our domestic debate on a timetable is framed by the irony of popular Iraqi opinion on the subject. By over a two to one margin, 53% to 23%, the Iraqi people see a specific timetable for a U.S. departure as benefiting the Iraqi government. Given that, on what basis can U.S. politicians argue that an extended timetable is necessary to protect Iraqis? They see a timetable as beneficial to their government.
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