Beirut bombings follow fears of Syrian war fallout
A pair of suicide bombings today struck near the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon, the latest violence in a country where concerns have run high about Iran’s influence and the spillover of violence from the civil war in Syria.
Americans divided over whether U.S. achieved its goals in Iraq
A decade after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, 46% of Americans believe the U.S. achieved its goals there while 43% said it had not.
Report questions drone use, widely unpopular globally, but not in the U.S.
A new report raises “serious concerns” about the U.S. drone campaign in Pakistan. U.S. public opinion about the use of drones in general sharply differs from the widespread opposition to the missile strikes among other nations.
Most U.S. Jews believe two-state solution is possible, but many doubt leaders’ efforts are sincere
American Jews are skeptical that either Israeli or Palestinian leaders are making a sincere effort to reach a peace settlement.
Opposition to Syrian Airstrikes Surges
There is increased opposition to U.S. airstrikes in Syria, as many undecided Americans have turned against the idea. Obama’s job approval has slipped into negative territory — particularly on foreign policy — and most say Congress should have the final say on Syria.
The growing number of Syrian refugees
The number of Syrians who have left the country over the past two years. About half are under 18.
Obama makes his case for Syrian airstrikes: Is it working?
While Barack Obama has an uphill battle if he wants to win over public support for military airstrikes in Syria, there are signs that opinions may have shifted over the course of the weekend.
Public Largely Opposes Syrian Airstrikes
By a 48% to 29% margin, more Americans oppose than support conducting military airstrikes against Syria. There is also broad concern over the possible consequences of military action in Syria and little optimism it will be effective.
UN approval before using military force lacks widespread global agreement
The UN Security Council failed Wednesday to reach agreement on a British-sponsored resolution authorizing approval of taking action against Syria for its alleged use of chemical weapons. A 2011 Pew Research poll found publics in most countries surveyed did not support the principle of obtaining UN approval first.
As U.S. considers Syrian strike, support for NATO has waned
While the U.S. and several of its allies in NATO review options for military action against Syria for its alleged use of chemical weapons, such action is reportedly not likely to be under the umbrella of NATO. Support for NATO in member countries has waned.
