While U.S. drone strikes have faced new scrutiny in recent weeks, a majority of the public continues to support the program. Overall, 56% approve of the U.S. conducting missile strikes from pilotless aircraft to target extremists in countries such as Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia; just 26% say they disapprove. [cont.] […] Read more »
U.S. Use of Drones, Under New Scrutiny, Has Been Widely Opposed Abroad
The nomination of John Brennan to head the Central Intelligence Agency is expected to renew focus on the U.S. use of drones against suspected militants at his Senate confirmation hearing on February 7. But outside of the United States, opinion on the use of drones for targeted killings is already […] Read more »
The American public loves drones
… A look across the polling landscape on the Obama Administration’s increased reliance on drones suggests that support for the strikes is not only wide but also bipartisan. [cont.] Chris Cillizza, Washington Post Read more »
Broad Support for Combat Roles for Women
The public broadly supports the military’s decision to lift restrictions on women in combat. Two-thirds (66%) support allowing women in the military to serve in ground units that engage in close combat, while just 26% are opposed. [cont.] Pew Read more »
Americans Favor Allowing Women in Combat
Nearly three-quarters of Americans say that, given the opportunity, they would vote “for” allowing women to serve in combat roles. These results are from a Gallup survey conducted just after U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced that the Pentagon is lifting the ban on women serving in direct combat. [cont.] […] Read more »
Hagel pick supported by Democrats, but not Republicans
Americans give tepid support to President Obama’s nomination of former Republican senator Chuck Hagel as defense secretary, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, but supporters far outnumber opponents at this early stage. Fully one in three express no opinion on the matter, highlighting the fact that Hagel is […] Read more »