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 Air Force ramped up operations and maintenance spending to keep its F-35A fighters flying over the past six years, but readiness continues to lag behind goals, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office.