Bush underestimated Iraq numbers: troops

Most US troops serving in Iraq and their families said the Bush Administration did not send enough forces to Iraq and relied too heavily on the National Guard and reserve troops, a poll showed yesterday.

Almost two-thirds of those surveyed by the Annenberg Public Policy Centre, or 65 per cent, said they believed President George W. Bush "had underestimated the number of troops needed in Iraq".

But although 60 per cent said part-time troops were overburdened and the number of regular troops should have been expanded, 74 per cent were against reinstating the draft.

Annenberg researchers surveyed 186 troops who were serving on active duty in Iraq between February and October. If they were not available for polling, a family member was surveyed.

Herald Feature: Iraq