Australia:Iraq war hasn't reduced terror threat: poll

[cal04]

A VAST majority of Australians do not believe the war in Iraq has reduced the threat of terrorism, according to a new poll.

The poll from the Lowy Institute for International Policy found 84 per cent of respondents believe the war has done nothing to lower the threat of terrorism.

Executive Director Alan Gyngell says the view from the Australians surveyed is clear.

"There's really no doubt now about what the Australian people think. The debate seems to be over about the reasons that we went into Iraq, that is 84 per cent disagree with the statement that the threat of terrorism has been reduced by Iraq," he told ABC radio today.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20510526-601,00.html

[AlCzervik]

1. The Australians polled spend too much time with the sun beating down on

heads.

[OwnedByFerrets]

2. Winning friends all over the world. n/t

[ck4829]

3. A Mandate against the policies of Howard and Bush.

[GiveUsHope]

4. No one but the wingnuts believes that!

Just saying.

[0007]

5. Why are Americans still on junior's band wagon?

And almost all of those surveyed, 91 per cent, believed the war has worsened American relations with the Muslim world.

"There's pretty strong agreement that is hasn't worked," Mr Gyngell said.

The poll also shows Australians have differing opinions on the alliance with the United States.

"There are very interesting differences, it's a mixture of admiration and resentment and a very clear divide between way Australians see the alliance, and 70 per cent of people this year found it was either very important or fairly important for Australia's security," Mr Gyngell said.