This ABC News/BBC poll documents the vast improvements that have taken place in Iraq since the surge began, as seen by the Iraqis themselves. Material conditions, faith in government institutions and, above all, security have all improved dramatically, giving rise to widespread optimism about Iraq's future. You can review the poll data here and draw your own conclusions. These charts, from the ABC report, are typical; click to enlarge. Iraqis' ratings of security, crime protection and freedom of movement where they live:
Support for democracy:
Confidence in Iraqi institutions:
One poll finding that is not highlighted by ABC but that stunned me was this: 53 percent of Iraqis say they "never" attend mosque, while another 11 percent attend "several times a year" or less.
