Poll finds widening Iraqi opposition to U.S. presence

CESAR G. SORIANO AND STEVEN KOMAROW GANNETT NEWS SERVICE The Olympian Online

BAGHDAD -- Two-thirds of the Iraqi people now believe that the U.S.-led occupation of their country is doing more harm than good, and a solid majority support an immediate military pullout even though they fear that as a result they could be in greater danger, according to a new USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll.

The nationwide survey, the most comprehensive look at Iraqi attitudes toward the occupation to date, was conducted in late March and early April. It reached nearly 3,500 Iraqis of every religious and ethnic group. The poll shows that most continue to say the hardships suffered to depose Saddam Hussein were worth it. Half say they and their families are better off than they were under Saddam. A strong majority say they are more free to worship and to speak.

But while they acknowledge benefits from dumping Saddam a year ago, Iraqis no longer see the presence of the American-led military as a plus. Asked whether they view the coalition as "liberators" or "occupiers," 71 percent of all respondents say "occupiers."

736 American soldiers have died in pursuit of weapons of mass destruction that did not exist. In the meantime, the people we supposedly "liberated" want us to leave. The Bush administration has recklessly taken us into an unnecessary war and increased the threat of terrorism worldwide. For this utter quagmire 736 American heroes have died. Blame Mr. Bush for this.