From: "Rich Gauszka" 


http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article1530762.ece
MOST Iraqis believe life is better for them now than it was under Saddam
Hussein, according to a British opinion poll published today.

The survey of more than 5,000 Iraqis found the majority optimistic despite
their suffering in sectarian violence since the American-led invasion four
years ago this week.

One in four Iraqis has had a family member murdered, says the poll by
Opinion Research Business. In Baghdad, the capital, one in four has had a
relative kidnapped and one in three said members of their family had fled
abroad. But when asked whether they preferred life under Saddam, the
dictator who was executed last December, or under Nouri al-Maliki, the
prime minister, most replied that things were better for them today.

Only 27% think there is a civil war in Iraq, compared with 61% who do not,
according to the survey carried out last month.

By a majority of two to one, Iraqis believe military operations now under
way will disarm all militias. More than half say security will improve
after a withdrawal of multinational forces.

Margaret Beckett, the foreign secretary, said the findings pointed to
progress. "There is no widespread violence in the four southern
provinces and the fact that the picture is more complex than the stereotype
usually portrayed is reflected in today's poll," she said.

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