Gallup: U.S. split on Afghanistan

PRINCETON, N.J., Dec. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. residents are split over whether the country can achieve its goals in Afghanistan, a Gallup poll reported Friday.

Almost three-quarters of those surveyed, 73 percent, said they fear spending in Afghanistan will interfere with domestic goals, Gallup said.

Just over half, 51 percent, said they support the president's strategy, while 48 percent said they oppose it.

The poll found 48 percent said they think the United States is certain or likely to achieve its goals in Afghanistan, while 45 percent disagreed.

Republicans are slightly more optimistic, with 56 percent expecting U.S. goals to be met compared with 47 percent of independents and 45 percent of Democrats.

Gallup polled 1,005 adults by telephone Wednesday, the day after President Obama said he would increase troop levels in Afghanistan. The margin of error is 4 percentage points.