A majority of Americans think things are going badly for the US in Iraq, according to a recent USA Today/Gallup poll. Sixty-four percent says the war is going badly, while 35 percent say things are going “very badly.” Only 35 percent of those polled say things are going well. A majority says “the situation in Iraq is out of control and the country is now in a state of chaos and civil war,” according to Gallup. This latest survey also, for the first time, indicates an equal number of Americans believe the insurgents are winning as believe the US and its allies are winning.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.