CBS News Iraq Poll, September 1990

This survey focused on issues related to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Respondents were asked whether they approved or disapproved of President Bush's handling of the situation, whether the United States did the right thing by sending troops to Saudi Arabia, and whether the United States' purpose in sending troops was mainly to stop an Iraqi invasion of Saudi Arabia or to protect the supply of oil to the United States. Respondents were also asked whether they favored or opposed the enforcing of an economic blockade of all goods to Iraq, whether they would favor or oppose such a blockade even if Western hostages in Iraq went without food and medicine, whether they would favor or oppose a blockade of all goods except food and medicine, and whether they would favor or oppose the United States invading Kuwait if an embargo failed to convince Saddam Hussein to withdraw. In addition, respondents were asked how long they expected United States troops to remain in the Persian Gulf area and whether they anticipated that the United States military would fight Iraq or that the situation would be resolved without fighting. Respondents also commented on whether they would favor or oppose an attempt by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to mediate the crisis, and whether President Bush should tape a message for Iraqi television in response to Saddam Hussein's offer to broadcast such a message. Background information on respondents includes political alignment, education, age, race, sex, number of adults at home, and state/region of residence.