Americans Oppose Syria Strike, Want Obama To Seek Congressional Approval [Poll]
Americans are largely opposed to a military strike in Syria, according to a NBC News poll. Nearly 80 percent of Americans asked also want President Obama to get congressional approval before using force in the war torn nation.
Despite the continued opposition, support for a strike in Syria has increased in the days following a reported chemical weapons attack on a suburb of Damascus.
The United States has said that more than 1,400 people died in the attack that they believe was carried out by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, reports Reuters.
Of those surveyed this week in an Ipsos/Reuters poll, 53 percent still oppose intervention in Syria’s civil war. That number is down from 60 percent just last week. However, only 20 percent said that the United States should take action. That number was up from nine percent last week.
The polls come as President Obama and his administration weigh the pros and cons of launching cruise missile strikes against Syria, notes NBC News. They are also facing growing demands from US lawmakers that Congress should be allowed to debate any kind of force in Syria.
The Obama administration met with congressional leaders on Thursday night to make the case for military intervention. However, the results of that meeting have not yet been revealed. Britain’s Parliament has already rejected the idea of the country participating, meaning that the US may have to go it alone if it chooses military intervention.
White House officials have already said the president is willing to go it alone if necessary. Support for US intervention in Syria is not likely to change much more, according to Ipsos pollster Julia Clark. This is because most Americans are now aware of the situation in the Middle Eastern nation and have made up their minds about it.
The reluctance for US participation in Syria likely stems from the expensive and inconclusive wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Despite the poll showing Americans against military involvement, US intervention is still likely in Syria.
[Image via ShutterStock]
