As Iraq effort drags on, doubts mount at home (CSM)

[deadparrot]

The war in Iraq is entering a critical stage, and it has as much to do with public attitudes at home as it does with boots on the ground.

Public patience appears to be growing thinner - a mood now echoed by some Republicans in Congress. The landscape of public and political opinion remains nuanced: Many who didn't support going to war say the US must persevere toward an eventual hand-off to Iraqi forces. Yet in interviews and polls, that fortitude is matched by growing doubts, with rising numbers of Americans calling for their troops to come home.

Among the recent signs:

• As US combat fatalities pass the 1,700 mark and the "global war on terrorism" stretches out longer than US involvement in World War II, the number of Americans who say the US should begin withdrawing troops from Iraq - nearly 60 percent in a new Gallup poll - is at its highest level in two years.

• Army recruiters are finding young men and women - and especially their parents - increasingly unwilling to sign up for training and what is likely to be more than one deployment overseas. Last month, the Army's original goal was to attract 8,050 new recruits; instead, only about 5,000 headed for boot camp. Applications to all three US military academies have dropped as well.

more...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/csm/20050617/ts_csm/apublic

[Zhade]

1. The falling enlistment numbers are a good sign.

It gives me hope that the nation is tossing and turning in its sleep.

[GetTheRightVote]

2. I believe you are right, at least I am hoping so, it is time for it

It is long over due.

:kick:

[Straight Shooter]

3. No one wants to die for a lie.

bush didn't even want to fight for a lie (Vietnam). Why should America's troops be expected to exceed the personal standards of the so-called Commander in Chief?

[clydefrand]

4. I've noticed on the yahoo sites that they seem to be rated

more the way we DU them. Could this also be a good sign for us?