A new Gallup poll released Wednesday shows that an increasing number of Americans support an increase in U.S. troop levels in Afghanistan.
The poll, which surveyed 1,017 adults November 20 - 22, showed that 47% of Americans would advise President Barack Obama to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan, while 39% said they would advise him to reduce the number.
A poll conducted earlier in the month showed that 42% of Americans supported a troop increase, while 44% supported a reduction in troops.
Specifically, 37% said they would advise Obama to send the 40,000 troops requested by General Stanley McChrystal, Commander of the U.S. Forces in Afghanistan. Another 10% said they would increase troop levels but below the 40,000 number.
Among Democrats, support for increased troop levels is quite low, with only 17% supporting the 40,000 number and 12% supporting a lower number. Meanwhile, 57% of Democrats support reducing the number of troops in Afghanistan.
Republicans, on the other hand, favor the 40,000-troop increase by 65%. Only 17% support reducing the number of troops in the region.
Independents were a bit more split on the issue, with 36% supporting sending in 40,000 more troops and 37% supporting reducing troop levels in the region. Another 10% supported sending fewer than 40,000 troops.
Earlier in the week, President Obama announced that he would present his "comprehensive strategy" on Afghanistan to the American people early next week. It is not currently known if he will announce a troop increase close to the 40,000 requested.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com