The latest Pew Research Center survey finds that more Americans now believe the conflict in Iraq is a civil war and about half see the situation becoming another Vietnam. When asked the question “Is Iraq a civil war?” 52 percent of respondents answered yes, up two percentage points from just three months ago and 22 from a year ago. Attitudes about the situation in Afghanistan also have worsened. Less than half now believe Operation Enduring Freedom has been a success, compared to 52 percent a year earlier.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
