Americans See Progress In Iraq

A new Associated Press-Ipsos poll finds people think the U.S. is making progress in Iraq, 52 percent to 41 percent. In September 2006, the AP-Ipsos poll fond 56 percent said the U.S. was losing ground.

In another sign of a gradually more positive view 42 percent now think history will judge the war to be a success. In September, only 34 percent said it would be considered successful.

Recent Gallup polling found that even though Americans remain negative about the status of the war right now, the vast majority believe Iraq will be better off in the long run -- 71% say the country will be better off as a result of the U.S. invasion, while 24% say it will be worse off. These results are similar to those measured last year.

There remains a huge partisan divide on what to do about Iraq: The vast majority of Republicans say the troops should stay until the job is done or until the United States wins, while Democrats say the troops should be removed immediately or as soon as possible.