Losing Ground

More and more Americans are seeing the current quagmire in Iraq and are asking themselves serious questions about their nations involvement in the conflict.

Many adults in the United States remain concerned with the progress of the coalition effort, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates published in Newsweek. 49 per cent of respondents believe the U.S. is losing ground in its efforts to establish security and democracy in Iraq.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein’s regime was launched in March 2003. At least 1,895 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 14,300 troops have been injured.

On Aug. 28, Iraqi negotiators finalized the country’s new draft constitution. The 15 members of a Sunni Arab panel did not endorse the proposed body of law, which must be ratified in a nationwide referendum on Oct. 15.

Three pending issues have delayed the actual printing of the document. Sunnis have asked for changes to an article that defines Iraq as an Islamic—but not Arab—nation, Kurds have requested assurances to hold the two deputy prime minister positions, and Shiites wish to place the country’s water resources under the authority of the central government.

On Sept. 11, Shiite legislator Saad Qandeel urged for a quick review of the document, saying, "If we fail to reach an agreement by the end of the week, then they will print the present version of the draft unchanged. We can’t delay it more because we need time to print it." 46 per cent of respondents in the U.S. are confident that a stable democratic form of government will be established in Iraq over the long term, while 52 per cent disagree.

Polling Data

Now turning to the topic of Iraq. All in all, do you think the United States is making progress or losing ground in its efforts to establish security and democracy in Iraq?

Sept. 2005 Aug. 2005

Making progress
40% 40%

Losing ground
49% 50%

Don’t know
11% 10%