WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- Confidence in the Iraqi war effort is declining, a USA TODAY/ CNN/Gallup Poll showed Tuesday.
Most Americans say things are going well for the United States in Iraq, but that sentiment fell to 56 percent from 70 percent a month ago and 86 percent on May 7, a week after President Bush declared combat largely over.
The poll finds most people have confidence in the president's leadership and character but there is erosion on those questions, too. His scores on being "honest and trustworthy," 65 percent, and "cares about the needs of people like you," 57 percent, are still strong, but both are down 8 percentage points from an April poll.
Analysts suggest if the search for weapons drags on for months without success and if Saddam Hussein is not found, critics will grow louder, support will drop and the public might begin calling for U.S. troops to leave Iraq.
