A recent survey by The Gallup Poll still finds that a majority of Americans view US involvement in Iraq was and is a mistake. Over the past year, the number has waxed and waned slightly, and even drew to a dead heat (49 percent con vs. 49 percent pro) in October 2005. The July 21-23 poll, released late last week, shows 56 percent consider sending troops to Iraq to have been a mistake, compared to 41 percent who believe it was not. As one might expect, a majority of Independents ally with Democrats on this issue.
The Pentagon awarded a $2.02 billion contract for Lot 17 of F-35 engines to contractor Pratt & Whitney on June 5. Work on the F135 engine is expected to be completed by December 2025.