Broad Optimism in Iraq

[Dr. Shane]

Broad Optimism in Iraq, But Also Deep Divisions Among Groups

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An ABC News poll in Iraq, conducted with Time magazine and other media partners, includes some remarkable results: Despite the daily violence there, most living conditions are rated positively, seven in 10 Iraqis say their own lives are going well, and nearly two-thirds expect things to improve in the year ahead.

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Surprisingly, given the insurgents' attacks on Iraqi civilians, more than six in 10 Iraqis feel very safe in their own neighborhoods, up sharply from just 40 percent in a poll in June 2004. And 61 percent say local security is good — up from 49 percent in the first ABC News poll in Iraq in February 2004.

Nonetheless, nationally, security is seen as the most pressing problem by far; 57 percent identify it as the country's top priority. Economic improvements are helping the public mood.

Average household incomes have soared by 60 percent in the last 20 months (to $263 a month), 70 percent of Iraqis rate their own economic situation positively, and consumer goods are sweeping the country. In early 2004, 6 percent of Iraqi households had cell phones; now it's 62 percent. Ownership of satellite dishes has nearly tripled, and many more families now own air conditioners (58 percent, up from 44 percent), cars, washing machines and kitchen appliances.

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Some of these numbers are very impressive. Even the negetive numbers - considering all the anti-American, Arabic press in the area. 55% of Iraquis want the US to stay at least until security can be restored. 46% say the country is better off now than before the war. In light of the negetive press, even these low numbers look good. I know I am putting a positive spin on it, but I was actually pleseantly surprised by the numbers.