The Iraq War has met with extensive opposition – not only across the world but also in the United States – beginning during the planning phases, continuing through the assault and subsequent occupation of Iraq. The White House is just failing to hold Republicans together, especially when the debate over the defense authorization bill, a platform for amendments on the war, is in such a crucial phase. In the recent past, a growing number of Republican lawmakers, who earlier were loyally to President Bush, are insisting his strategy has failed (possibly wearied by the lack of progress in Iraq and by the steady stream of military funerals back home); therefore, he should bring the war to an end. According to a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll taken on 1,014 adults on Friday through Sunday revealed that Bush’s approval rating has reached a new low, i. e. 29%. Following are some of the shocking (but anticipated) figures of the survey. (1) One in five Americans believe that the increase in U.S. forces in Iraq since January has made the situation there better. Half, on the other, say it hasn’t made a difference. (2) More than seven in 10 wish to remove nearly all U.S. troops from Iraq by April. (3) Sixty-two percent say that the US has made a mistake in sending troops to Iraq. (4) Two-thirds believe that Bush shouldn’t have intervened in the case of Libby. (5) Six in 10 say the economy is worse than it was five years ago. (6) While 55% still say Congress should wait to develop a new policy on Iraq until Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, delivers a promised assessment in September; whereas, 40% say Congress should act now. (7) Bush’s support is crumbling not only among Democrats but also Republicans, as only 68% approve of him that is much down from an average 92% in his first term, 82% in his second. (8) About 4 in 10 Republicans say the immigration debate caused them to lose confidence in him. The figures clearly indicate a rapid downfall in the reputation of President Bush that will make it harder for him to hold the Republican together in the Senate. Moreover, the stats don’t even look too good for Republicans, campaigning for the Presidential elections scheduled for next year, as people will surely question their stand on the unholy war.
Apr
30
