Iraq Polling Data

I thought it was interesting to look at this polling data from the Iraq war. The major turn around happened in 2004. Here's a short recap of some of the news items from that year:

March 31, 2004 -- Four American civilian contractors from Blackwater USA are killed by Iraqi insurgents in Fallujah. Their mutilated bodies get dragged through the streets before being hung over a bridge.

April 29, 2004 -- Photos of abuse at Abu Ghraib prison are released.

May 8, 2004 -- The decapitated body of Nick Berg found. Three days later (May 11), video of his beheading is posted on an Islamic Web site.

While there continued to be sizable international protests during 2004, the most notable US protest was held during the Republican National convention. More than 800 anti-war and social justice groups organized protests, and over 1800 people were arrested.

Speaking of protests, I thought this polling info was also interesting. This poll was done in early March 2003 - right before the US invaded Iraq:

“When deciding what to do about Iraq, do you think the Bush Administration should take into account the views of anti‑war protesters a lot, some, not much, or not at all?”

A Lot - 14%

Some - 47%

Not Much - 15%

Not At All - 22%

Don't Know - 2%

Hmmm...interesting stuff.