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    Afghanistan                    See also:  Terrorism  |  Allies and enemies


Polls listed chronologically. Data are from nationwide surveys of Americans 18 & older.

.

.

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Jan. 22-24, 2010. N=1,009 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"How important is it to you that the President and Congress deal with each of the following issues in the next year? Will it be extremely important, very important, moderately important, or not that important? The situation in Afghanistan."

.

Extremely
Important
Very
Important
Moderately
Important
Not That
Important
Unsure
% % % % %

1/22-24/10

39 39 16 5 1

5/16-18/09

35 42 17 5 1

2/18-19/09

41 35 20 4 -

.

"Do you favor or oppose the U.S. war in Afghanistan?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

.

% % %

.

1/22-24/10

47 52 1

.

12/16-20/09

43 55 3

.

12/2-3/09

46 51 2

.

11/13-15/09

45 52 3

.

10/30 - 11/1/09

40 58 2

.

9/11-13/09

39 58 3

.

8/28-31/09

42 57 2

.

7/31 - 8/3/09

41 54 5

.

5/14-17/09

50 48 3

.

4/3-5/09

53 46 1

.

2/18-19/09

47 51 2

.

12/1-2/08

52 46 2

.

7/27-29/08

46 52 2

.

1/19-21/07

44 52 4

.

9/22-24/06

50 48 2

.

.

"Regardless of how you feel about the war in general, do you favor or oppose President Obama's plan to send about 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan in an attempt to stabilize the situation there?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

.

% % %

.

1/22-24/10

61 38 1

.

12/16-20/09

59 39 1

.

12/2-3/09

62 36 2

.


 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Dec. 16-20, 2009. N=1,160 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you favor or oppose the U.S. war in Afghanistan?" If oppose: "Which of the following statements comes closer to your view? You currently oppose the U.S. war in Afghanistan because you opposed the initial decision in 2001 to go to war in that country. OR, You favored the initial decision in 2001 to go to war in Afghanistan but events since then have made you change your mind." Options rotated. Combined responses.

.

Favor Oppose Now:
Opposed
In 2001
Oppose Now:
Favored
In 2001
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

12/16-20/09

43 31 23 4

.

.

"Regardless of how you feel about the war in general, do you favor or oppose President Obama's plan to send about 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan in an attempt to stabilize the situation there?" If oppose: "Do you think the U.S. should keep the same number of troops in Afghanistan as it currently has, or do you think the U.S. should reduce the number of troops in that country but keep some there, or do you think the U.S. should immediately withdraw all troops from Afghanistan?" Combined responses

.

Favor Oppose:
Keep Same
Number
Oppose:
Reduce
Number
Oppose:
Withdraw All
Unsure
% % % % %

12/16-20/09

59 5 10 23 2

.

"Who do you think is currently winning the war in Afghanistan: the U.S. and its allies, the insurgents in Afghanistan, or neither side?"

.

U.S. and
Allies
Insurgents Neither Side Unsure

.

% % % %

.

12/16-20/09

18 14 67 1

.

12/6-9/07

30 10 58 2

.

8/2-3/06

28 10 58 5

.


 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Dec. 11-14, 2009. N=1,008 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1 (for all adults).

.

"Do you generally approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing in handling the war in Afghanistan?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/11-14/09

46 42 12

.

.

"Do you think the war in Afghanistan against the Taliban and Al Qaeda has been very successful, somewhat successful, somewhat unsuccessful, or very unsuccessful?" Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 4.4

.

Very
Successful
Somewhat
Successful
Somewhat
Unsuccessful
Very
Unsuccessful
Unsure
% % % % %

12/11-14/09

2 37 29 27 5

9/17-20/09

8 38 26 23 5

10/13-16/06

9 42 23 24 2

.

"Do you feel more confident or less confident that the war in Afghanistan will come to a successful conclusion?" Half sample (Form A), MoE ± 4.4

.

More
Confident
Less
Confident
Depends
(vol.)
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

12/11-14/09

30 58 5 7

.

9/17-20/09

28 59 6 7

.

.

"Do you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose increasing troop levels in Afghanistan?"
10/09 & earlier: "Would you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose increasing troop levels in Afghanistan?"

.

Strongly
Support
Somewhat
Support
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
Unsure
% % % % %

12/11-14/09

30 25 15 24 6

10/22-25/09

28 19 15 28 10

9/17-20/09

19 25 20 31 5

.

"Please tell me which of the following concerns you more. That we will invest a lot of money and American lives in the war in Afghanistan and have little to show for it. OR, That we will not do enough to deal with the threat of Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan and we will be more vulnerable as a result." Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 4.4

.

Invest a Lot,
Little to Show
Will Not Do
Enough
Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/11-14/09

42 48 10

.

9/17-20/09

45 44 11

.

.

"As you may know, President Obama's plan for Afghanistan is to send an additional thirty thousand troops to the country. These troops will fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda and increase training of the Afghan army. The additional troops will begin deploying now and all thirty thousand are expected to be in Afghanistan by the fall of 2010. Then, in the summer of 2011 U.S. troops will begin to withdraw from the country. Do you think this plan is definitely the right approach, probably the right approach, probably the wrong approach, or definitely the wrong approach for the war in Afghanistan? If you do not know enough to have an opinion, please say so."

.

Definitely
Right
Probably
Right
Probably
Wrong
Definitely
Wrong
Don't Know
Enough
% % % % %

12/11-14/09

9 35 20 21 13

.

"Do you think it is very likely, somewhat likely, somewhat unlikely, or very unlikely that U.S. troops will begin to withdraw from Afghanistan by the summer of 2011?" Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 4.4

.

Very Likely Somewhat
Likely
Somewhat
Unlikely
Very
Unlikely
Depends
(vol.)/Unsure
% % % % %

12/11-14/09

12 27 27 29 5

 

AP-GfK Poll conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media. Dec. 10-14, 2009. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

.

"How important are the following issues to you personally: not at all important, slightly important, moderately important, very important, or extremely important? How about the situation in Afghanistan?"

.

Extremely
Important
Very
Important
Moderately
Important
Slightly
Important
Not at All
Important
% % % % %

12/10-14/09

30 39 20 7 4

11/5-9/09

34 36 16 6 4

10/1-5/09

36 36 16 7 4

9/3-8/09

29 38 20 7 5

7/16-20/09

25 37 25 6 5

4/16-20/09

28 36 24 6 6

.

"And please tell me if you approve, disapprove or neither approve nor disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling each of the following issues. How about the situation in Afghanistan?" If unsure: "If you had to choose, do you lean more toward approving or disapproving of the way Barack Obama is handling the situation in Afghanistan?"

.

Approve Disapprove Neither Unsure  
% % % %  

12/10-14/09

52 40 8 -  

11/5-9/09

42 48 10 -  

10/1-5/09

46 41 14 -  

9/3-8/09

46 40 13 1  

7/16-20/09

55 32 13 -  

4/16-20/09

60 26 12 2  

.

"Do you favor or oppose the war in Afghanistan?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure Refused  
% % % %  

12/10-14/09

39 57 3 1  

11/5-9/09

39 57 3 1  

10/1-5/09

40 57 2 1  

7/16-20/09

44 53 3 1  

.

"Would you favor or oppose sending more troops to Afghanistan?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure Refused  
% % % %  

12/10-14/09

42 56 2 -  

11/5-9/09

43 54 3 1  

10/1-5/09

46 50 4 1  

.

"Over the next year, do you expect the situation in Afghanistan to get better, get worse or stay about the same?"

.

Get Better Get Worse Stay About
the Same
Unsure  
% % % %  

12/10-14/09

31 23 44 2  

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Dec. 10-13, 2009. N=1,003 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.5 (for all adults).

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Obama is handling the situation in Afghanistan?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/10-13/09

52 44 4

.

11/12-15/09

45 48 6

.

10/15-18/09

45 47 7

.

9/10-12/09

55 37 7

.

8/13-17/09

60 33 7

.

7/15-18/09

62 30 8

.

4/21-24/09

63 26 11

.

.

"Who do you trust to do a better job handling the situation in Afghanistan: Obama or the Republicans in Congress?" Half sample, MoE ± 5

.

Obama Republicans
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

12/10-13/09

47 35 1 14 4

11/12-15/09

46 41 1 9 3

.

"All in all, considering the costs to the United States versus the benefits to the United States, do you think the war in Afghanistan has been worth fighting, or not?"
10/09: "All in all, considering the costs to the United States versus the benefits to the United States, do you think the war in Afghanistan was / has been worth fighting, or not?" -- "was" and "has been" each asked of half the sample.
9/09 & earlier: "All in all, considering the costs to the United States versus the benefits to the United States, do you think the war in Afghanistan was worth fighting, or not?"

.

Worth
Fighting
Not Worth
Fighting
Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/10-13/09

52 44 4

.

11/12-15/09

44 52 4

.

10/15-18/09

47 49 4

.

9/10-12/09

46 51 3

.

8/13-17/09

47 51 3

.

7/15-18/09

51 45 4

.

3/26-29/09

56 41 4

.

2/19-22/09

50 47 3

.

12/11-14/08

55 39 5

.

7/10-13/08

51 45 4

.

2/22-25/07

56 41 3

.

.

"Do you support or oppose Obama's decision to send approximately 30,000 additional U.S. military forces to Afghanistan? ... Do you feel that way strongly or somewhat?"

.

Strongly
Support
Somewhat
Support
Somewhat
Oppose
Strongly
Oppose
Unsure
% % % % %

12/10-13/09

36 22 10 30 2

.

"How confident are you that Obama's new strategy for Afghanistan will succeed: very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?"

.

Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not So
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
% % % % %

12/10-13/09

11 41 25 20 3

.

"Obama has said U.S. forces will start withdrawing from Afghanistan in summer 2011. Do you think they should start withdrawing sooner than that, later than that, or is this schedule about right?"

.

Sooner Later Schedule
About Right
Withdraw
Now (vol.)
Unsure
% % % % %

12/10-13/09

31 19 39 1 9

.

"Regardless of when you think the U.S. withdrawal should begin, do you support or oppose Obama having set a specific deadline for this to occur?"

.

Support Oppose Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/10-13/09

42 55 3

.

.

"Do you think the United States must win the war in Afghanistan in order for the broader war on terrorism to be a success, or do you think the war on terrorism can be a success without the United States winning the war in Afghanistan?" Options rotated

.

Must Win in
Afghanistan
Victory There
Not Required
Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/10-13/09

56 36 8

.

9/10-12/09

48 45 7

.

2/19-22/09

50 41 9

.

12/11-14/08

51 40 9

.

7/10-13/08

51 42 7

.

.

"Regardless of when a withdrawal begins, do you expect that a large number of U.S. forces will remain in Afghanistan for many years, or do you think that will not happen?" If will remain: "Is this something you would SUPPORT or OPPOSE?" Combined responses

.

Will Remain:
Support
Will Remain:
Oppose
Will Not
Happen
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

12/10-13/09

37 33 24 5

.

.

"How do you feel today about the Taliban having given support to Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda before the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001? Would you say you're extremely angry about that, very angry, somewhat angry, or not so angry?"

.

Extremely
Angry
Very
Angry
Somewhat
Angry
Not So
Angry
Unsure
% % % % %

12/10-13/09

39 34 18 8 2

 

CBS News/New York Times Poll. Dec. 4-8, 2009. N=1,031 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the situation with Afghanistan?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

12/4-8/09

48 38 14

.

.

11/13-16/09

38 43 19

.

.

10/5-8/09

42 34 24

.

.

9/19-23/09

44 35 21

.

.

8/27-31/09

48 30 22

.

.

4/22-26/09

56 21 23

.

.

4/1-5/09

58 21 21

.

.

.

"Do you think the U.S. is doing the right thing by fighting the war in Afghanistan now, or should the U.S. not be involved in Afghanistan now?"

.

Right Thing Not
Involved
Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

12/4-8/09

49 39 12

.

.

10/5-8/09

51 39 10

.

.

9/19-23/09

47 42 11

.

.

.

"What is your impression of how the war in Afghanistan is going for the United States right now: very well, somewhat well, somewhat badly, or very badly?"

.

Very Well Somewhat
Well
Somewhat
Badly
Very Badly Unsure
% % % % %

12/4-8/09

1 29 43 17 10

11/13-16/09

4 19 42 27 8

9/19-23/09

3 32 38 15 12

8/27-31/09

2 35 34 18 11

7/24-28/09

3 30 39 18 10

7/9-12/09

2 34 40 15 9

6/12-16/09

2 28 40 15 15

4/22-26/09

1 37 40 13 9

4/1-5/09

3 33 37 15 12

3/12-16/09

3 30 36 21 10

12/4-7/08

2 25 44 18 11

9/21-24/08

2 29 32 23 14

8/15-19/08

3 25 40 18 14

3/20-24/03

30 46 11 3 10

.

"From what you know about the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, how much longer would you be willing to have large numbers of U.S. troops remain in Afghanistan: less than a year, one to two years, two to five years, five to ten years, or as long as it takes?"

.

12/4-8/09 9/19-23/09

.

.

% %

.

.

Less than a year

32 31

.

.

One to two years

25 24

.

.

Two to five years

6 11

.

.

Five to ten years

1 1

.

.

As long as it takes

26 26

.

.

Should leave now (vol.)

4 1

.

.

Unsure

6 6

.

.

.

"How likely do you think it is that the U.S. will be able to stop terrorists from using Afghanistan as a safe haven for their attacks against the U.S. and its allies: very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not all likely?"

.

Very Likely Somewhat
Likely
Not Very
Likely
Not at All
Likely
Unsure
% % % % %

12/4-8/09

11 37 26 16 10

.

"So far, do you think Barack Obama has clearly explained his plan for Afghanistan, or hasn't he clearly explained his plan?"

.

Has Clearly
Explained
Hasn't Clearly
Explained
Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

12/4-8/09

42 47 11

.

.

.

"As you may know, Barack Obama announced that an additional 30,000 U.S. troops will be sent to Afghanistan in the coming months. Do you approve or disapprove of sending additional troops to Afghanistan?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

12/4-8/09

51 43 6

.

.

.

"As you may know, Barack Obama has announced that he will begin bringing U.S. troops home from Afghanistan starting in the middle of 2011. Do you think it is a good idea for Barack Obama to set a date to begin withdrawing troops, or is it not a good idea to set a date?"

.

Good Idea Not a
Good Idea
Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

12/4-8/09

41 55 4

.

.

.

"Regardless of whether you think sending additional troops to Afghanistan is a good idea, do you think the United States can count on the government of Afghanistan to work toward stabilizing the country, or can it not count on the government of Afghanistan?"

.

Can Count On Cannot
Count On
Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

12/4-8/09

26 61 13

.

.

.

"In order to pay for the additional U.S. troops in Afghanistan, do you think the money should come from a tax increase, spending cuts in other areas of government, or should it be added to the budget deficit?"

.

Tax
Increase
Spending
Cuts
Added to
the Deficit
Combination/
Other (vol.)
Unsure
% % % % %

12/4-8/09

10 53 19 6 12

.

"Do you think sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan will make the U.S. safer from terrorism, less safe from terrorism, or will sending more troops to Afghanistan not affect the United States' safety from terrorism?"

.

Safer Less Safe Won't Affect
Safety
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

12/4-8/09

39 8 45 8

.


 

Bloomberg Poll conducted by Selzer & Co. Dec. 3-7, 2009. N=1,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1.

.

"[Do you approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing as president?] ... Do you approve or disapprove of the job he is doing with managing the war in Afghanistan?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

12/3-7/09

48 43 9

.

.

.

"President Obama has ordered that 30,000 additional troops be sent to fight the war in Afghanistan. He also proposed a timetable to begin withdrawal of those additional forces in July 2011. Do you approve or disapprove of [see below]?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

.

"The decision to send additional troops"

12/3-7/09

62 34 4

.

.

.

"The timetable for withdrawal"

12/3-7/09

45 49 6

.

.

.

"President Obama said the troop surge he has ordered in Afghanistan will cost $30 billion. Which of the following four options do you think is the best course to cover this cost: by increasing taxes on all Americans; by increasing taxes on just rich Americans such as individuals who earn more than $250,000 a year; by cutting government spending other than entitlements such as Social Security or Medicare; or by borrowing that increases the deficit?"

.

Increase
Taxes On
All Americans
Increase
Taxes On
Just the Rich
Cut Spending
Other Than
Entitlements
Borrow and
Increase the
Deficit
Unsure
% % % % %

12/3-7/09

13 28 46 5 8

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Dec. 2-3, 2009. N=1,041 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for all adults).

.

"President Obama also announced that he plans to start removing U.S. troops from Afghanistan in the summer of 2011. Thinking specifically about that policy and not about Obama's decision to announce it at this time, do you favor or oppose Obama's plan to start removing troops from Afghanistan in 2011?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/2-3/09

66 32 2

.

.

"And regardless of how you feel about the plan to start removing troops in 2011, do you think it was a good idea or a bad idea for Obama to announce that policy at this time?"

.

Good Idea Bad Idea Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/2-3/09

39 59 2

.

.

"And just your best guess -- do you think conditions in Afghanistan will or will not be good enough in the summer of 2011 for the U.S. to start removing troops?"

.

Will Will Not Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/2-3/09

33 61 6

.

.

"Do you think the safety and security of the United States are at stake in Afghanistan, or don't you think so?"

.

Are at Stake Don't Think So Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/2-3/09

64 34 2

.

.

"Who do you have more confidence in when it comes to handling the situation in Afghanistan: President Obama or the Democrats in Congress?"

.

President
Obama
Democrats
in Congress
Both (vol.) Neither (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

12/2-3/09

44 31 4 20 2

.

"What do you think is the most likely outcome for the U.S. in Afghanistan: a victory, a stalemate, or a defeat?"

.

Victory Stalemate Defeat Unsure

.

% % % %

.

12/2-3/09

29 57 12 2

.

.

"As you may know, it has been about three months since the general in charge of U.S. forces in Afghanistan formally requested additional troops. Which of the following statements comes closest to your view? You think Obama took too much time to make this decision. You think that amount of time was necessary for Obama to make a thorough review and explore the different options available."

.

Too Much
Time
Amount of
Time was
Necessary
Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/2-3/09

43 56 1

.

.

"Just your best guess -- do you think each of the following is likely or unlikely to happen in Afghanistan in the next few years? . . ."

.

Likely Unlikely Unsure

.

% % %

.

.

"Afghanistan will have a democratic government that will not be overthrown by terrorists or the Taliban"

12/2-3/09

33 66 1

.

10/16-18/09

31 68 2

.

.

"Afghan military and police will be able to ensure safety and security in Afghanistan without assistance from the United States"

12/2-3/09

35 65 -

.

10/16-18/09

31 69 -

.

.

"Afghanistan will be able to prevent terrorists from using the country as a base of operations for planning attacks against the United States"

12/2-3/09

36 63 1

.

10/16-18/09

33 66 1

.

.

"Whose policies do you blame for the problems that the U.S. is currently facing in Afghanistan: the policies of George W. Bush or the policies of Barack Obama?"

.

Bush Obama Both equally/
Neither (vol.)
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

12/2-3/09

64 17 18 1

.

.

"And if the current situation facing the U.S. in Afghanistan does not improve by the summer of 2011, whose policies would you blame for that: the policies of George W. Bush, or the policies of Barack Obama?"

.

Bush Obama Both equally/
Neither (vol.)
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

12/2-3/09

34 54 12 1

.

.

"Do you think the United States' action in Afghanistan is morally justified, or not?"

.

Is Is Not Unsure

.

% % %

.

12/2-3/09

63 35 1

.

.

"Did you happen to watch or listen to any of Obama's speech on Afghanistan on Tuesday night, or not?"

.

Yes No

.

% %

.

12/2-3/09

42 58

.

.

Asked of those who watched speech (N=519, MoE ± 4.5):
"Did the speech make you more likely or less likely to support Obama's policies in Afghanistan, or didn't it make any difference to you?"

.

More Likely Less Likely No
Difference

.

% % %

.

12/2-3/09

34 16 50

.


 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Dec. 2, 2009. N=1,005 adults nationwide. MoE ± 4.

.

"Next, we have some questions about Afghanistan. As you may know, President Obama has decided to increase the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan by 30,000 while also setting a timetable that calls for the U.S. to begin withdrawing troops from that country in 2011. In general, do you favor or oppose this plan?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

12/2/09

51 40 9

.

.

.

"Now, thinking more specifically about the different aspects of the policy: What is your view of sending 30,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan? Do you think that number is too high, about right, or too low?"

.

Too High About Right Too Low Unsure

.

% % % %

.

12/2/09

36 38 18 8

.

.

"Now, thinking more specifically about the different aspects of the policy: Which comes closest to your view about setting a timetable for beginning to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2011 -- you agree with that timetable, you think the U.S. should start withdrawing troops sooner than that, or you think it is too soon to set a timetable for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan?"

.

Agree with
Timetable
Start
Withdrawing
Sooner
Too Soon
To Set a
Timetable
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

12/2/09

22 26 46 6

.

.

"Some members of Congress have called for a special tax to pay for the costs of the war in Afghanistan, also called a 'war surtax.' Do you favor or oppose such a tax?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

12/2/09

24 68 8

.

.

.

"How worried are you that the costs of the war in Afghanistan will make it more difficult for the government to address the problems facing the United States at home: very worried, somewhat worried, not too worried or not worried at all?"

.

Very
Worried
Somewhat
Worried
Not Too
Worried
Not at All
Worried
Unsure
% % % % %

12/2/09

32 41 16 10 2

.

"How worried are you that that withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan will make the United States more vulnerable to terrorist attacks: very worried, somewhat worried, not too worried or not worried at all?"

.

Very
Worried
Somewhat
Worried
Not Too
Worried
Not at All
Worried
Unsure
% % % % %

12/2/09

19 36 27 16 2

.

"Now, thinking in general about the goals for U.S. military policy in Afghanistan, do you think the United States is certain to achieve its goals in Afghanistan, likely to achieve its goals, not likely to achieve its goals, or certain NOT to achieve its goals in Afghanistan?"

.

Certain to
Achieve
Likely to
Achieve
Not Likely to
Achieve
Certain Not to
Achieve
Unsure
% % % % %

12/2/09

7 41 36 9 7

.

"Looking back, do you think sending troops to Afghanistan was the right thing or the wrong thing for the U.S. to do?"

.

Right
Thing
Wrong
Thing
Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

12/2/09

62 32 6

.

.


 

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Nov. 20-22, 2009. N=1,017 adults nationwide. MoE ± 4.

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the situation in Afghanistan?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure
% % %

11/20-22/09

35 55 9

9/11-13/09

49 42 9

7/17-19/09

56 34 11

.

"Thinking now about U.S. military action in Afghanistan that began in October 2001: Do you think the United States made a mistake in sending military forces to Afghanistan, or not?"

.

Made a
Mistake
Did Not Make
a Mistake
Unsure
% % %

11/20-22/09

36 60 3

8/31 - 9/2/09

37 61 2

7/10-12/09

36 61 3

3/14-15/09

42 52 6

1/30 - 2/1/09

30 66 4

8/21-23/08

34 63 3

7/25-27/08

28 68 4

8/3-5/07

25 70 5
7/19-21/04 25 72 3

1/7-9/02

6 93 1

11/8-11/01

9 89 2

.

"In general, how would you say things are going for the U.S. in Afghanistan: very well, moderately well, moderately badly, or very badly?" Options rotated

.

Very Well Moderately
Well
Moderately
Badly
Very Badly Unsure
% % % % %

11/20-22/09

2 30 45 21 2

8/31 - 9/2/09

4 34 45 16 2

7/10-12/09

4 50 31 12 2

3/14-15/09

3 35 37 17 8

1/30 - 2/1/09

4 40 38 14 5

8/21-23/08

6 35 39 16 4

7/25-27/08

5 41 33 18 3

9/15-17/06

6 43 30 16 5

.

"Which of the following would you like to see President Obama do? Increase the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan by the roughly 40,000 the U.S. commanding general there has recommended. Increase the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan but by a smaller amount than the 40,000 the U.S. commanding general there has recommended. Keep the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan the same as now. OR, Begin to reduce the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan." Options rotated

.

Increase by
40,000
Increase by
Less Than
40,000
Keep the Same
Number
Reduce the
Number
Unsure
% % % % %

11/20-22/09

37 10 9 39 5

11/5-8/09

35 7 7 44 7

 

FOX News/Opinion Dynamics Poll. Nov. 17-18, 2009. N=900 registered voters nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for all registered voters).

.

"Do you support or oppose sending additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan?"

.

Support Oppose Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

11/17-18/09

42 45 12

.

.

Democrats

27 61 12

.

.

Republicans

61 28 11

.

.

Independents

41 43 16

.

.

.

10/13-14/09

46 46 8

.

.

Democrats

32 61 7

.

.

Republicans

65 29 5

.

.

Independents

40 50 10

.

.

.

9/15-16/09

41 50 9

.

.

Democrats

30 62 8

.

.

Republicans

58 31 11

.

.

Independents

35 58 7

.

.


 

CBS News Poll. Nov. 13-16, 2009. N=1,167 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"From what you have seen or heard about the situation in Afghanistan, what should the United States do now? Should the U.S. increase the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, keep the same number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan as there are now, or decrease the number of troops in Afghanistan?"

.

Increase Keep the
Same
Decrease Unsure

.

% % % %

.

11/13-16/09

32 20 39 9

.

10/5-8/09

37 17 38 8

.

9/19-23/09

29 27 32 12

.

8/27-31/09

25 23 41 11

.

4/1-5/09

39 18 33 10

.

2/18-22/09

42 23 24 11

.

1/11-15/09

34 28 26 12

.

.

"As you may know, the Obama Administration is considering sending additional troops to Afghanistan. From what you have heard or read, do you think a troop increase would make the situation in Afghanistan better, make it worse, or would it have no impact on the situation in Afghanistan?"

.

Make It
Better
Make It
Worse
Have No
Impact
Depends
(vol.)
Unsure
% % % % %

11/13-16/09

36 22 31 4 7

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Nov. 13-15, 2009. N=1,014 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"If Barack Obama decided to send about 34,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan, would you favor or oppose that decision?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

.

% % %

.

11/13-15/09

50 49 1

.

.

"And if Obama decided to send a smaller number of additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan, would you favor or oppose that decision?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

.

% % %

.

11/13-15/09

42 56 2

.

.

"In general, how would you say things are going for the U.S. in Afghanistan: very well, moderately well, moderately badly, or very badly?"

.

Very Well Moderately
Well
Moderately
Badly
Very Badly Unsure
% % % % %

11/13-15/09

2 30 42 24 2

5/14-17/09

3 33 44 17 3

3/9-11/07

5 35 34 21 4

 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Nov. 12-15, 2009. N=1,001 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.5 (for all adults).

.

"If Obama decides to send more U.S. forces to Afghanistan, would you prefer that he send a smaller number of U.S. forces mainly to train the Afghan military; or that he send a larger number of U.S. forces to fight al Qaeda and the Taliban as well as to train the Afghan military?" Options rotated

.

Smaller
Number
Larger
Number
No Increase
(vol.)
Decrease/Pull
Out (vol.)
Unsure
% % % % %

11/12-15/09

45 46 3 2 4

.

"As you may know, Obama is developing a strategy for Afghanistan that he's expected to announce in the next few weeks. How confident are you he will come up with a strategy that will succeed: very confident, somewhat confident, not so confident or not confident at all?"

.

Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not So
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
% % % % %

11/12-15/09

17 38 23 20 1

.

"In deciding U.S. policy in Afghanistan do you think Obama is giving U.S. military leaders too much influence, too little influence, or about the right amount?" Options rotated

.

Too Much
Influence
Too Little
Influence
About the
Right Amount
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

11/12-15/09

9 35 51 6

.

.

"What do you think would do more to increase the risk of a terrorist attack occurring here in the United States: withdrawing from Afghanistan, or remaining in Afghanistan, or is the risk of terrorism about the same either way?"

.

Withdrawing Remaining About the
Same
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

11/12-15/09

23 12 64 2

.

.

"How confident are you that the government of President Hamid Karzai will be a reliable partner for the United States in Afghanistan: very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not confident at all?" Half sample (Form A), MoE ± 5

.

Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Too
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
% % % % %

11/12-15/09

4 22 44 25 6

.

"How confident are you that the government of President Hamid Karzai will be able to train an effective Afghan Army to take over security there at some point: very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not confident at all?" Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 5

.

Very
Confident
Somewhat
Confident
Not Too
Confident
Not at All
Confident
Unsure
% % % % %

11/12-15/09

5 33 37 22 3

 

Pew Research Center survey. Oct. 28-Nov. 8, 2009. N=2,000 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Now thinking about Afghanistan: Do you think the United States' initial decision to use force in Afghanistan was the right decision or the wrong decision?"

.

Right
Decision
Wrong
Decision
Unsure    
% % %    
10/28 - 11/8/09 56 34 10    

.

"How well is the U.S. military effort in Afghanistan going: very well, fairly well, not too well, or not at all well?"

.

Very Well Fairly Well Not Too
Well
Not at
All Well
Unsure
% % % % %
10/28 - 11/8/09 4 32 41 16 6
1/7-11/09 7 38 34 11 10

.

"Over the next year, do you think the number of troops in Afghanistan should be increased, decreased, or kept the same as it is now?"

.

Increased Decreased Kept the
Same
Unsure  
% % % %  
10/28 - 11/8/09 32 40 19 8  
1/7-11/09 33 39 20 8  

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2009. N=1,018 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3 (for all adults).

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of the way Barack Obama is handling the situation in Afghanistan?"

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/30 - 11/1/09

42 56 2

.

8/28-31/09

49 46 5

.

3/12-15/099

67 29 5

.

.

"Do you favor or oppose the U.S. war in Afghanistan?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/30 - 11/1/09

40 58 2

.

9/11-13/09

39 58 3

.

8/28-31/09

42 57 2

.

7/31 - 8/3/09

41 54 5

.

5/14-17/09

50 48 3

.

4/3-5/09

53 46 1

.

2/18-19/09

47 51 2

.

12/1-2/08

52 46 2

.

7/27-29/08

46 52 2

.

1/19-21/07

44 52 4

.

9/22-24/06

50 48 2

.

.

"Would you favor or oppose sending more troops to Afghanistan?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/30 - 11/1/09

42 56 2

.

10/16-18/09

39 59 2

.

.

"As you may know, Barack Obama has been considering whether to send more troops to Afghanistan. Do you think Obama has taken too long to make that decision, or don't you think so?"

.

Taken Too
Long
Don't
Think So
Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/30 - 11/1/09

49 50 1

.

.

"When it comes to decisions about military strategy and troop strength in Afghanistan, do you think Obama should follow the recommendations of the generals in charge of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, or should Obama take other matters into account as well?"

.

Follow
Generals
Other Matters
as Well
Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/30 - 11/1/09

52 48 1

.

.

"Do you think that, within the next 12 months, there will or will not be a stable democratic government in Afghanistan that can maintain order in the country without assistance from U.S. troops?" N=506 (Form A), MoE ± 4.5

.

Will Will Not Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/30 - 11/1/09

8 90 1

.

.

"Do you think that, eventually, there will or will not be a stable democratic government in Afghanistan that can maintain order in the country without assistance from U.S. troops?" N=512 (Form B), MoE ± 4.5

.

Will Will Not Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/30 - 11/1/09

32 64 4

.


 

NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll conducted by the polling organizations of Peter Hart (D) and Bill McInturff (R). Oct. 22-25, 2009. N=1,009 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.1 (for all adults).

.

"As you may know, the Obama administration has said it will not make a firm decision about whether to send more troops to Afghanistan until after that country's upcoming runoff election when the president of Afghanistan will be determined and the political situation in that country is clearer. Do you support or oppose this decision?" Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 4.4

.

Support Oppose Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/22-25/09

58 37 5

.

.

"I'm going to read you several possibilities for next steps in Afghanistan. For each one please tell me whether this would be acceptable to you or not acceptable to you. . . ."

.

Acceptable Not
Acceptable
Unsure

.

% % %

.

.

"Sending an additional ten thousand U.S. troops and focusing on fighting insurgents in some areas and putting additional emphasis on training for Afghanistan's army and police"

10/22-25/09

55 36 9

.

.

"Not sending any additional U.S. troops and focusing on attacking specific al Qaeda camps and leaders along the border with Pakistan using troops already in Afghanistan"

10/22-25/09

46 43 11

.

.

"Withdrawing nearly all U.S. troops already in Afghanistan and focusing on attacking specific al Qaeda camps and leaders along the Pakistani border with unmanned aircraft and commando teams"

10/22-25/09

45 45 10

.

.

"Sending an additional forty thousand U.S. troops and focusing on fighting insurgents across the country and protecting the Afghan people"

10/22-25/09

43 49 8

.

.

"When it comes to making major decisions on overall military strategy and the number of troops needed, such as in Afghanistan, who do you have more confidence in to make the right decisions: the president and secretary of defense OR the generals running operations in the country?" Half sample (Form B), MoE ± 4.4

.

President and
Secretary
of Defense
Generals
In the
Country
Some of
Both (vol.)
Neither (vol.) Unsure
% % % % %

10/22-25/09

25 62 9 2 2

 

CNN/Opinion Research Corporation Poll. Oct. 16-18, 2009. N=1,038 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.

.

"Would you favor or oppose sending more troops to Afghanistan?" If oppose: "Do you think the U.S. should keep the same number of troops in Afghanistan as it currently has, or do you think the U.S. should reduce the number of troops in that country but keep some there, or do you think the U.S. should immediately withdraw all troops from Afghanistan?" Combined responses

.

Send More Keep Same Reduce Withdraw All Unsure
% % % % %

10/16-18/09

39 8 21 28 3

.

"Do you consider the war in Afghanistan to be part of the war on terrorism which began on September 11, 2001, or do you consider it to be an entirely separate military action?" N=540 (Form A), MoE ± 4

.

Part of War
On Terrorism
Entirely
Separate
Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/16-18/09

61 37 1

.

.

"Thinking about the current situation, do you think it is or is not necessary for the United States to keep its troops in Afghanistan NOW in order to prevent additional acts of terrorism in the U.S.?" N=498 (Form B), MoE ± 4.5

.

Is
Necessary
Is Not
Necessary
Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/16-18/09

60 39 1

.

.

"Do you think the war in Afghanistan has turned into a situation like the United States faced in the Vietnam War, or don't you think so?"

.

Has Has Not Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/16-18/09

52 46 3

.


 

ABC News/Washington Post Poll. Oct. 15-18, 2009. N=1,004 adults nationwide. MoE ± 3.5 (for all adults).

.

"Do you think the Obama Administration does or does not have a clear plan for handling the situation in Afghanistan?"

.

Does Does Not Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/15-18/09

31 63 6

.

.

"U.S. military commanders have requested approximately 40,000 more U.S. troops for Afghanistan. Do you think Obama should or should not order these additional forces to Afghanistan?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/15-18/09

47 49 4

.

.

"For each item I name, please tell me if you see it as something the United States should or should not try to do in Afghanistan. [See below.] Is that something the United States should or should not try to do in Afghanistan?"

.

Should Should Not Unsure

.

% % %

.

.

"Preventing the establishment of al Qaeda terrorist bases in Afghanistan"

10/15-18/09

75 22 3

.

.

"Preventing the Taliban from returning to power in Afghanistan"

10/15-18/09

75 21 4

.

.

"Providing economic development aid to improve living conditions for ordinary Afghans"

10/15-18/09

59 39 2

.

.

"Establishing a stable democratic government in Afghanistan"

10/15-18/09

59 38 3

.

.

"Attacking leaders of the Taliban, al Qaeda and similar groups across the border in Pakistan"

10/15-18/09

68 28 4

.

.

"If the U.S. determines that elements of the Taliban do not support terrorism against the United States, should it allow them to regain power in Afghanistan, or should the U.S. try to keep all elements of the Taliban out of power there?"

.

Allow to
Regain Power
Keep Out
of Power
Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/15-18/09

18 79 4

.

.

"Given what you've heard, do you think the Afghan presidential election was free and fair, or do you think there was widespread vote fraud in the election?"

.

Free and
Fair
Widespread
Vote Fraud
Fraud, But Not
Widespread
(vol.)
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

10/15-18/09

13 66 4 18

.

.

"Do you think the United States is heading for the same kind of involvement in Afghanistan as it had in the Vietnam war, or do you think the United States will avoid that kind of involvement this time?"

.

Same as
Vietnam
Will Avoid
That
Unsure

.

% % %

.

10/15-18/09

35 58 7

.

3/7-10/02

18 77 5

.


 

Marist College Marist Poll. Oct. 7, 8 & 12, 2009. Nationwide.

.

"Do you approve or disapprove of how President Barack Obama is handling the war in Afghanistan?" N=913 registered voters, MoE ± 3.5

.

Approve Disapprove Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

10/7, 8 & 12/09

43 45 12

.

.

6/1-3/09

57 24 19

.

.

4/21-23/09

63 25 12

.

.

4/1-3/09

57 23 20

.

.

.

"Do you think the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan should be increased, decreased, or kept about the same?" N=1,026 adults, MoE ± 3

.

Increased Decreased Kept About
the Same
Unsure

.

% % % %

.

10/7, 8 & 12/09

39 33 19 9

.


 

<

USA Today/Gallup Poll. Oct. 6, 2009. N=1,007 adults nationwide. MoE ± 4 (for all adults).

.

"Would you favor or oppose a decision by President Obama to send more U.S. troops to Afghanistan?"

.

Favor Oppose Unsure

.

.

% % %

.

.

10/6/09

48 45 7

.

.

9/22-23/09

41 50 9

.

.

.

"Do you think that each of these is, or is not, an important reason to keep U.S. troops in Afghanistan? How about [see below]?" N=492 (Form A), MoE ± 5