WASHINGTON, June 24 (UPI) -- The U.S.'s response to the situation in Iraq has led to a sharp hike in Americans' disapproval of President Barack Obama's foreign policy.
A new New York Times/CBS News poll shows that 58 percent of Americans disapprove of the president's foreign policy, the worst its been since he took office in 2009. One-third of those disapproving of the administration's policies are Democrats. His disapproval rating is up from last month, after Obama said he would send 300 military personnel to advise the Iraqis.
Fifty-six percent of those polled said they would support the use of unmanned aircraft or drones to target militants in the region. When potential missions involved U.S. military personnel, Americans were more wary: 51 percent of people opposed sending manned aircraft to target militants, and an overwhelming 77 percent opposed having boots on the ground.
During an address on the current situation in Iraq Thursday, Obama emphasized that American troops will not be sent into the region. That did not allay the concerns of Americans: 67 percent of those polled did not believe he clearly stated the U.S. goals in Iraq and 54 percent were "very concerned" that U.S. intervention would lead to long and costly involvement.
"We are not going to be able to fix it," said Democrat Nikki Bahls of Iowa. "I used to have hope. I had hope when I voted for Obama, but it's changed."
