Poll: More than half of British public want troops withdrawn

Laila · Jul 31, 2009

Voters turn against war in Afghanistan - UK Politics, UK - The Independent

A majority of the public believes that the war in Afghanistan is unwinnable and British troops should be pulled out immediately, a poll for The Independent has found.

But today's ComRes survey suggests that the public mood is switching rapidly against the war – and that people do not believe it is worth sending reinforcements to Afghanistan.

More than half of voters (52 per cent) want troops to be withdrawn from Afghanistan straight away, with 43 per cent disagreeing. Opposition to the military action is even stronger among women.

By a margin of nearly two-to-one, the public believes that the Taliban cannot be defeated militarily. Fifty-eight per cent view the war as "unwinnable", with 31 per cent disagreeing.

There is overwhelming agreement – by 75 per cent to 16 per cent – that British troops in Afghanistan lack the equipment they require to perform their role safely.

Is it any wonder when we see stories like this:

We failed Armed Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth admits | Mail Online
Or
Eurofighter Typhoon jet deal worth £3billion and 15,000 jobs FINALLY gets off the ground after months of delays | Mail Online

Neither of these hardly inspire confidence.

Should we withdraw from Afghanistan straight away?

Kernel Sanders · Jul 31, 2009

If the British people don't want the troops there I don't think they should be. The UK should just be aware of the impact withdrawal may have on any future US support of British military interests

Contradiction · Jul 31, 2009

Kernel Sanders said:
If the British people don't want the troops there I don't think they should be. The UK should just be aware of the impact withdrawal may have on any future US support of British military interests

Britain has been supporting US military interests for the last 8 years. Burning bridges is not in the US (or British) interest.

Kal'Stang · Jul 31, 2009

Brittish citizens didn't want troops in Iraq when that war started either. This is nothing new.

Laila · Jul 31, 2009

Kernel Sanders said:
If the British people don't want the troops there I don't think they should be. The UK should just be aware of the impact withdrawal may have on any future US support of British military interests

We have been helping for 8 years. Go turn on Israel to help or the countless other countries your government gives aids to.

What military campaigns?
I recall a certain US President refusing to help in Falklands ...

Poll: More than half of British public want troops withdrawn

Laila

Kernel Sanders

Norville Rogers

Contradiction

Kal'Stang

Laila

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