Fewer Say NATO Should Keep Troops in Afghanistan

Since June support among Americans for keeping NATO troops in Afghanistan until the situation has stabilized has fallen by seven points to 50%. In that same period, the percentage of Americans who want forces removed as soon as possible has risen from 38% in June to 43% in September. While support for keeping troops in Afghanistan has fallen among all political groups, Republicans remain strongly in favor of staying until the situation has stabilized (71%), a view shared by only 37% of Democrats. Independents mirror the country, with 51% in favor of keeping troops and 43% wanting all troops removed. The sharpest decline in support for keeping troops in Afghanistan occurred among adults ages 65 and older. In June, this age group wanted forces to remain by more than a two-to-one margin (63% to 31%). In September, just a 44% plurality supports keeping troops, while 41% want forces home as soon as possible. Read More