AP poll finds Americans fear strike on Syria would lead to long-term commitment of US forces

WASHINGTON – A new Associated Press poll shows a majority of Americans oppose a U.S. strike on Syria, despite a weeks-long Obama administration campaign to respond to chemical weapons attacks the U.S. blames on President Bashar Assad’s regime.

Most of those surveyed said they believe even limited U.S. attacks — as President Barack Obama has promised — would lead to a long-term commitment of military forces in Syria.

And only 20 per cent of Americans thought U.S. military action in Syria would deter other rogue nations from using their own weapons of mass destruction in the future.

That has been a top White House argument as it seeks congressional approval to strike Syria.

Released Monday, the AP poll was conducted September 6-8 by GfK Public Affairs and Corporate Communications.