Relatives of U.S. military split on Iraq

WASHINGTON, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- People with close family members in the military are more likely than others to support the Iraq War, but even they are divided on the issue, a poll found.

While 59 percent of those without relatives serving in the military say the 2003 invasion of Iraq was a mistake, 49 percent of those with military relatives do, the USA Today/Gallup poll found. Fifty-five percent of military relatives say President George W. Bush is doing a bad job, compared to 64 percent of those with no relatives in the military.

Men with military relatives are more likely to support the president than women -- like Jeanette Knowles of Mountain Home, Idaho, whose brother served in Iraq as a member of the National Guard.

"They've maxed out on the troops," Knowles said. "You've got guys who are over there on their fourth or fifth tours. It's ridiculous."

Gallup got its figures from four national polls taken this fall. Close family members were identified as spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents or close in-laws.