Poll: Support for Bush handling of Iraq war drops

Approval for the way the United States, and by implication President Bush, has handled Iraq since the major fighting ended has dropped by nearly half — from a high of 80% as U.S. tanks rolled into Baghdad in late April to 42% now.

Women, minorities, liberals, moderates, independents and Democrats give Bush his lowest scores. Males, whites, conservatives and Republicans are most supportive.

Six of 10 surveyed think the situation will deteriorate into chaos and civil war if troops are quickly withdrawn. That number drops to five in 10 if troops leave in three years.

• Also, just 50% think Iraq can establish a stable government if troops leave in six months. That proportion jumps to 64% if troops stay for three years.

• Even if troops stay three years, more than eight of 10 expect American military casualties to continue at the same rate or higher.

• Most doubt the Iraqi people will ever view the USA as a friendly nation.