Continued Skepticism About the Libyan Revolt

YouGov
April 22, 2011, 5:00 PM GMT+0

Americans are no more optimistic this week about the fortunes of those fighting against the Libyan government of Muammar Gaddafi than they were a week ago. In the latest Economist/YouGov Poll, 27% of those who have heard about the uprising now expect the rebels to overthrow the ruler. 24% don’t. 

Last week, those with an opinion were also closely divided. Before last week, there was somewhat more optimism about their fate.

Last week, support for various actions the international community could take dropped: fewer than half supported enforcing sanctions and enforcing the no fly zone over Libya. Now half or more support each of those measures. 49% favor targeting Gaddafi personally, up from 41% last week. 

How should the international community respond to events in Libya? Please check all options that you support. Asked if respondent is aware of unrest in Libya

April 9-12, 2011April 16-19, 2011

Enforce sanctions

45%

56%

Send humanitarian aid

45%

48%

Evacuate refugees

36%

39%

Enforce no-fly zone over Libya

48%

52%

Send ground troops into Libya

11%

9%

Provide arms to rebels

18%

17%

Target Colonel Gaddafi to remove him from power

41%

49%

None of these

17%

15%

Support for enforcing the no fly zone has soared among Democrats — up eight points in a week to 56% now. Half of Republicans favor that, too. 

Photo source: flickr ( شبكة برق | B.R.Q )

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