Has Bush won more time to fix Iraq?
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-12-19-poll_x.htm
Bush promised the American People that when the "Iraqis are ready to stand up, the US will stand down", and begin withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. The public thinks he'll keep his promise to withdraw troops as the Iraqis begin to rebuild their government, police and defense.
The latest USAToday/CNN polls indicate that the recent improvements in Bush's approval ratings reflect the public impression that the success of the Iraq elections will bring the US closer to troop withdrawals.
In the poll:
• A record 55% say the war in Iraq is entirely separate from the war on terrorism that began with the Sept. 11 attacks, the first time a majority has held that opinion.
• Six of 10 think the United States should deploy a significant number of troops in Iraq for another year or less, though just 17% predict the United States will achieve that timetable.
• A 56% majority say Bush doesn't have a plan to achieve victory in Iraq, about the same as the 55% who held that view the night he delivered the first of four speeches. Half of those surveyed say neither side is winning in Iraq; 40% say the United States is winning. A 52% majority say it was a mistake to send troops.
One bright spot for Bush: 50% predict last week's elections in Iraq will be a major step to help the United States achieve its goals there.
