The near unanimity of this assessment among countries is remarkable in public opinion polling.

Most Americans have clearly given up on the idea that the operation in Iraq will have a Hollywood-style ending and are looking for a way out.

Iraqis are demanding a timetable for U.S. withdrawal, and most believe that the U.S. has no plans to leave even if the new government asks them to. This appears to be leading some to even...

Most Americans do not appear to have been persuaded by President George W. Bush’s … argument that promoting democracy is a critical means for fighting terrorism and making the world safer.

The U.N. is part of a larger framework that Americans are supportive of.

The challenge is as strong as ever to make the Sunnis feel they are included in Iraq’s political process.

One possible explanation is that the attacks are not prompted by a desire to bring about an immediate withdrawal, but to put pressure on the U.S. so that it will eventually leave.

This appears to be leading some to even support attacks on U.S.-led troops, even though many feel they also continue to need the presence of U.S. troops awhile longer.

Are people clamoring for military action at this point? Definitely not.