Poll: Italian, New Zealand Views on Afghanistan

Italy has lost 14 troops in Afghanistan and there is now a desire among Italians to bring the troops back home:

The majority of people in Italy want their country’s troops serving in Afghanistan to return home but they have different opinions on when, according to a poll by IPR Marketing published in La Repubblica. 22 per cent of respondents support an immediate troop removal, while 34 per cent say a gradual withdrawal would be better.

Conversely, 37 per cent of respondents oppose bringing Italian troops back from Afghanistan.

On the other hand, New Zealanders seem keener on the mission:

The majority of people in New Zealand agree with their government’s decision to extend the stay of a non-combat military mission in Afghanistan, according to a poll by Research New Zealand. 61 per cent of respondents favour the resolution to keep 140 troops working in reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan until September 2010.

On the other hand, New Zealanders are divided on whether to re-send Special Air Service soldiers back to Afghanistan, following a request by the United States government. 47 per cent of respondents would support this measure, and 44 per cent would oppose it.

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Photo credit: AP Photos