Americans Becoming Impatient With Iraq Violence

A new poll has found that nearly six in 10 Americans say the United States should withdraw some or all of its troops from Iraq, marking the most negative outlook on the war since the U.S. invaded the country in 2003.

The Gallup Poll suggests that, for the first time, a majority of Americans would be "upset" if President Bush sent more soldiers, with 36 percent of participants believing troop levels should be maintained or increased. Meanwhile, 56 percent say the Iraq war wasn't "worth it." The Defense Department revealed last week that 1,293 Americans have been killed in Iraq.

Bush hasn't set a timetable for troop withdrawal, but experts and officials are weighing in on the issue. Ronald Spector, a military historian at George Washington University, told USA Today, "We have reached a tipping point. Even some of those who thought it was a great idea to get rid of Saddam Hussein are saying, 'I want our troops home.'" When White House spokesman David Almacy was questioned about the poll, he said it was, quote "vital" for U.S. peace and security that Americans continue to have a presence in Iraq by training soldiers. GOP Representitive Walter Jones of North Carolina, an ardent supporter of the invasion, called on Bush for a timetable for withdrawing troops, saying, "I feel that we have done about as much as we can do."