MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Growing US public opinion against war in Iraq

According to public opinion pollster Gallup, 32% of North Americans believe the war in Iraq is lost, while 21% feel President Bush could eventually win it, but don't see him determined.

Actually President Bush's popularity keeps dropping and Gallup shows that 50% of United States citizens disagree with the performance of President Bush. Only 48% approve his administration.

The disapproval rate has consistently approached 50% since last March.

The US electorate also feels pessimistic about the course of the nation and the economy, with 40% approving but 58% in disagreement.

The telephone poll was done July 25/28 among 1010 people, with a 3 to 5 points error margin. The economic situation is described as worse by 53% of interviews, 35% that is has improved and 9% that it remains unchanged.

Last week the US Department of Commerce revealed that the US economy expanded at an annual rate of 3,4% in the second quarter, down from the 3,8% of the first quarter. However it's the ninth consecutive quarter that the US economy expands above 3%.

Also last week the International Monetary Fund gave a positive outlook of the US economy prospects, although warning that the surge in oil prices could begin to affect consumption.

IMF left growth estimate for 2005 unchanged at 3,6% but dropped next year's estimate by 0,1 to 3,5%.

"Higher oil prices could begin to have greater weight in domestic demand".

President Bush's popularity has been decreasing since the beginning of his second term last term, which contrasts drastically with approval rates of November 2001.

Gallup opinion polls following S11 attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, 87% of US citizens supported President Bush with only 11% disapproving.