[Maceman]

There's other evidence of the United States' increasing unpopularity: Two-thirds now oppose the presence of U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq, 14 points higher than in February 2004. Nearly six in 10 disapprove of how the United States has operated in Iraq since the war, and most of them disapprove strongly. And nearly half of Iraqis would like to see U.S. forces leave soon.

Specifically, 26 percent of Iraqis say U.S. and other coalition forces should "leave now" and another 19 percent say they should go after the government chosen in this week's election takes office; that adds to 45 percent. Roughly the other half says coalition forces should remain until security is restored (31 percent), until Iraqi security forces can operate independently (16 percent), or longer (5 percent).

I don't get it. The survey says two-thirds oppose the presence of coalition forces. But then it says that 52% (31%+16%+5%) want coalition forces to remain at least until security is restored, if not longer.

Something doesn't add up here.

[Coop]

It makes sense to me. I probably wouldn't like forces from another country in my backyard either, but if they're protecting me from terrorists I could probably put up with them a while longer.