2009-09-21-皮尤-Public_Support_for_Afghan_Mission_Slips_6页_40kb

Summary of Pew Research Center Report: September 2009 Survey on Afghanistan

Key Findings

• Decline in Public Support: Support for keeping U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan decreased from 57% in June 2009 to 50% in September 2009. Currently, 50% favor maintaining troops until the situation stabilizes, while 43% support removal as soon as possible. The change is particularly sharp among older adults, with a -7% drop in support among those 65+.

• Threat Perception: Public views on major threats highlight concerns about Taliban regaining control of Afghanistan, seen by 76% as a major threat to the U.S., similar to the 82% who view Iran developing nuclear weapons as a major threat. Republicans express higher concern across all threats.

• Evaluation of U.S. Progress: The public is skeptical about U.S. progress in Afghanistan. Only 51% believe efforts to train Afghan security forces are successful, while opinions on other objectives are divided or negative: 44% see progress in economic development, but 41% view it as losing ground. Adjusting for partisan views, Republicans are more optimistic than Democrats or independents on most areas.

• Partisan Divides: Significant gaps exist between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats (37%) favor troop withdrawal, while Republicans (71%) want to maintain troops. On progress evaluations, Republicans show more positive views (e.g., 62% say progress in training forces), whereas Democrats are skeptical (e.g., 37% see progress in defeating the Taliban).

Context

This survey reflects evolving public opinion amid uncertainty about the U.S. mission in Afghanistan, with partisan divides shaping views on risks and objectives.