randomWalks

That's an intrigue-producing study, gwen.

On the one hand, the segment you post seems to be taking a perspective that we in the western and more stabilized world can take for granted. On the other hand, the Iraqis, from the numbers the poll lists, seem to be concerned less with reasons, and more with immediate situations.

Per:

"By then, most people hope that the occupation will be over; but, despite the criticisms, fears and acute day-to-day problems, only 13 per cent want the Americans and British troops to leave immediately."

It seems that Iraqis can't take the position of a moral argument, if there is one, that because the Americans came after oil supplies they are bad and must go away.

I wonder if in fact some of those answering that the "going after oil supplies" was a main objective are also answering that they understand the role that oil plays, not just among western states with the production of oil, but within contentious, embattled Middle Eastern states. Its a conundrum to my perception of things, because the pollsters don't really offer any insight into their thinking. That's a hard thing about polls in general, I'm sure we all understand that.

It seems that--at least, in the books I've read--that Iraqis, Iranians, Syrians, and Israelis and Palestinians are acutely aware of the role oil plays. While a small percentage of opinions about the oil game seem to be overly blown, that America is "only after oil," some moderate thinkers, who are affecting change in the area--or who are desirous of change--seem to think that Iraqis need help guarding that oil from sabatouers and greedy militants within their own country. I wonder if a small percentage of those answering these polls were suggesting that this was a positive motive in the war, and not just an all out objective of the war. I just wonder. I don't know.