A large majority of Americans think the world is a more dangerous place than it was several years ago. And a terrorist group that was not even on the public’s radar a year ago – the Islamic militants known as ISIS or ISIL – today ranks near the top of […] Read more »
Support for U.S. Air Strikes in Iraq Jumps
After splitting evenly two months ago, a majority of Americans now support U.S. air strikes in Iraq – but without additional credit to Barack Obama for ordering them. Support for the military action against Sunni insurgents in Iraq is up by 9 percentage points since June, from 45 to 54 […] Read more »
Support for U.S. Airstrikes in Iraq; Concern About Getting Too Involved
As fighting rages in Iraq, most Americans (54%) say they approve of U.S. airstrikes against Islamic militants there, while 31% disapprove. But while the public backs airstrikes, there is widespread concern about the U.S. becoming too involved in Iraq. Overall, 51% say their greater concern about military action is that […] Read more »
As World Boils, Fingers Point Obama’s Way
… Americans often think of their president as an all-powerful figure who can command the tides of history — and presidents have encouraged this image over the years because the perception itself can be a form of power. But as his critics have made the case that Mr. Obama’s mistakes […] Read more »
Is This Really Working for Us? Public Views on Foreign Policy
… The crisis in Ukraine, heartbreaking violence in the Middle East, the unraveling “Arab spring,” disintegrating relations with Russia, gang violence and turmoil in Central America–these are just a few of the tough international challenges we face. Do people really want the U.S. to step back from the world stage? […] Read more »
Obama Can Ignore Public Opinion on Foreign Policy
War-weary after the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and reeling financially from the Great Recession, the public wants U.S. leaders to focus more at home and shoulder far fewer burdens abroad. The public certainly rejects more American “boots on the ground,” and will strongly resist the new U.S. advisers and air […] Read more »