Deaths, unrest, cost sap support in U.S. for war

Slain soldier's dad: 'How much of a sacrifice are we supposed to make for Iraqi freedom?'

WASHINGTON -- The costs of occupation in Iraq are mounting in lives and dollars, and that is eroding support for the war and confidence in President Bush at home.

The Pentagon announced Tuesday that the number of Americans killed in combat in Iraq since May 1 -- the day Bush stood before a banner on the USS Abraham Lincoln that declared, "Mission Accomplished" -- exceeds the number killed by hostile fire during the war itself.

Since the days six months ago when a statue of Saddam Hussein toppled in the heart of Baghdad, more than one-fourth of Americans who thought the war was worth it have changed their minds. The 76 percent level of support in an April 9 poll has fallen to 54 percent in a survey taken during the weekend.

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