More than 2/3 of Americans Support Military Action Against Iraq - 2002-09-15

A recent poll conducted in the United States shows that more than two-thirds of Americans surveyed support military action against Iraq. The poll, conducted this week by Newsweek magazine, revealed that the number of Americans supporting a potential U.S. attack on Iraq has increased by five percent compared to last month, with 69 percent now in favor of such an attack. According to this poll, which surveyed one thousand adults, 85 percent believe that failing to take action against Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein would have dire consequences for the U.S. and other countries around the world. Newsweek reports that the same 85 percent also believe that the Iraqi government could play a facilitating role in aiding al-Qaeda terrorists in their future attacks. Three-quarters of the respondents believe that Iraq will eventually use its weapons of mass destruction against a neighboring country. 31 percent think that President Bush has not adequately explained Washington's position on Iraq. 60 percent also believe that Mr. Bush should seek congressional approval before taking any action. 76 percent of those who answered Newsweek's questions predicted that an attack on Iraq would lead to terrorist attacks against American citizens. Three-quarters of those surveyed supported the idea of forming an international force to remove Saddam Hussein. There is a possibility of a three percent margin of error in this poll.