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, 2011 | April 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 )
