Iraqi pessimism, despair and defiance

A new widespread opinion poll of Iraqis presents a damning judgment on the occupation of their country. When the poll was last carried out two years ago, 71% said things were good in their lives, but this has nearly halved to only 40%. Less than a fifth of the population has any confidence in the US and coalition occupation forces, with a small majority saying that attacks on the occupation forces are justified. Many more Iraqis think the situation is worse in their country than those that think things have improved since the US-led invasion. Two-thirds believe the reconstruction efforts have been ineffective. Read more at the BBC or Independent newspaper.