I linked recently to some slivers of positive news about the surge and a poll that suggested that most non-Sunni Iraqis still believe that life is better than under Saddam. The latest poll provides some grim background. Again: I think it can be misleading to look at what "Iraqis" think; the perspectives are very skewed along sectarian lines:
Most Shiites and Kurds say things have improved in their lives and for the country overall; fewer than one in 10 Sunnis agree.
To my mind, the critical number is the following:
Despite U.S. efforts to promote the emergence of a free-standing Iraqi government and political system, 59 percent of Iraqis said the U.S. government "controls things in our country," up from 24 percent who said so in 2005. The percentage of those who say that the Iraqi government is in control dropped from 44 percent in 2005 to 34 percent in the current poll.
So as time goes by, the government’s power seems to be decreasing in the eyes of Iraqis, as U.S. responsibility sems to grow. Alongside this, over half thinks it’s acceptable for others to attack U.S. forces. That’s up from 17 percent in 2004. So the Iraqis feel free to see the US attacked, believe we are part of the problem, but don’t want to see us go quite yet. No wonder Condi Rice is asking for patience. One would need the patience of a saint to endure this for several more years.
The Dish 