Republicans and Democrats agree that the Afghanistan war wasn’t worth it, an AP-NORC poll shows

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The article discusses the findings of a recent poll regarding the Afghanistan war. It highlights that both Republicans and Democrats largely agree that the war in Afghanistan, which lasted for two decades, was not worth fighting. The poll was conducted by the Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts and The Big Big News-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, two years after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

Key points from the poll include:

1. General Agreement: A significant majority of Americans, regardless of their political affiliation, believe that the war was not worth fighting. Specifically, 65% of Democrats and 63% of Republicans share this sentiment.

2. Doubts About Achieving Goals: Many Americans express doubts about the success of specific goals during the war, such as eliminating the threat from extremists or improving opportunities for women.

3. Frustration and Questions: The poll reflects a general frustration among Americans regarding the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan. After 20 years of war, substantial lives lost, and significant financial resources expended, the majority of respondents view Afghanistan as unfriendly or even an outright enemy.

4. Mixed Success in Achieving Objectives: While many respondents consider eliminating the threat from Islamic extremists important, only a minority believe it was successfully achieved. Similarly, the success in apprehending or killing individuals responsible for the 9/11 attacks is viewed with skepticism by a substantial portion of those polled.

5. Women’s Rights: The poll indicates that only a minority of Americans believe the U.S. successfully improved opportunities for women and girls in Afghanistan. However, advancing the rights of women and girls is considered important by a significant majority.

6. Political Differences on Global Involvement: While Democrats and Republicans generally share similar views on Afghanistan policy goals, they differ on whether the U.S. should take a more active role in addressing global issues. Republicans are more inclined to advocate for a less active role, reflecting a shift in the party’s traditional stance.

The article also mentions that awareness about various aspects of the war varies among respondents, with more knowledge about the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban taking control in 2021 than about the treatment of Afghan citizens who worked with the United States during the war. Additionally, it notes ongoing efforts to evacuate Afghans who worked closely with the U.S. government, as many remain in Afghanistan and face retribution from the Taliban.

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More about Afghanistan War Poll

• AP-NORC Poll on Afghanistan War
• Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts
• The Big Big News-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research
• U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan
• Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan
• President Joe Biden’s Approval Ratings
• U.S. Global Involvement
• Taliban’s Restrictions on Women’s Rights