As U.S. and Russian diplomats reached an agreement over the weekend to dismantle Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles, the public expresses support for a diplomatic approach to the crisis but is skeptical about its effectiveness. By a 67% to 23% margin, the public approves of Barack Obama’s decision to delay military […] Read more »
In America, not isolationism but skepticism
President Obama and his aides were surprised this month by the strength of public opposition to their call for military action against Syria. They shouldn’t have been. Americans have almost always been reluctant to go to war. In 1939, polls showed that most Americans not only wanted to stay out […] Read more »
Americans Evenly Divided on Russia’s Plan for Syria
Americans are evenly split as to whether Russia’s plan to control Syria’s chemical weapons will succeed. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plan was met with at least some degree of optimism by 45% of Americans, yet 44% said they are pessimistic about the plan. [cont.] Art Swift, Gallup Read more »
Syria Vote vs. Iraq, Kosovo, Somalia
Washington may be split by partisanship, but politics stop at the water’s edge, or so goes the old saw. That is, when it comes to using military force, lawmakers moves past simple Red/Blue distinctions and come together. But in recent weeks, many lawmakers have voiced concern that the “water’s edge” tradition […] Read more »
A reversal on chemical weapon in Syria
The situation in Syria signals an increasingly adverse sentiment among the American public to any government policy which would involve U.S. engagement – through airstrikes or otherwise. … The Syrian government blatantly crossed the “red line” President Obama established last year, not once but twice, with a clear disregard for the […] Read more »
Syria: No war – no victor?
In his Tuesday address to the nation, President Obama had to make the case for military action against Syria to an American public more opposed to confrontation – even against terrorism – than at any time in his Presidency, and especially opposed to U.S. engagement in Syria. In the latest […] Read more »