On a day in which President Obama
answered several media questions about Syria and possible U.S. intervention there over allegations the Bashar al-Assad regime has used chemical weapons in rebel-held areas, a new CBS/
New York Times poll found 62 percent of Americans believe the United States has no responsibility to intervene in Syria versus 24 percent who say it does. Last month those who thought it did totaled 20 percent. Majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents agree. CBS
reports:
In March, slightly more than half of all Americans were following news about Syria at least somewhat closely. Now, four in 10 say they are doing so, including just 10 percent who are following it very closely.
Still, those following the news about Syria very closely are far more likely to think the U.S. has a responsibility to get involved there. Nearly half (47 percent) of that group thinks the U.S. has a responsibility to get involved there—though about as many do not (48 percent).
Respondents were not asked about humanitarian aid to Syria.
Pollsters also asked: "Which of these comes closest to your opinion? 1. North Korea is a threat to the United States that requires military action now. 2. North Korea is a threat that can be contained for now. 3. North Korea is not a threat to the United States at this time." Fifteen percent said military action is needed now, but 56 percent said the threat can be contained and 21 percent said North Korea is not now a threat.
Those surveyed were asked whether they "favor or oppose the U.S. using unmanned aircraft or 'drones' to carry out bombing attacks against suspected terrorists in foreign countries?" Seventy percent answered "favor."
The message seems to be that intervention is a no-no unless it's the "clean" out of sight kind that risks zero U.S. casualties.