Most Americans continue to support the US campaign in Afghanistan, but appetite for a large-scale war in the country is waning, according to a new poll last night.
The survey by the ABC Newsand the Washington Postsaid 94 per cent of respondents backed the US-led war in Afghanistan.
Despite criticism from some lawmakers and pundits, as many as 85 per cent were convinced "Operation Enduring Freedom" was going well, with 71 per cent backing the idea of sending a significant number of troops to Afghanistan.
But only 52 per cent supported getting involved in a large-scale war with a probability of high US casualties, and 42 per cent opposed it, according to the survey.
By contrast, 67 per cent of Americans supported such a conflict in late September.
The polls also indicated the public was less confident now the US military would be able to capture or kill Osama bin Laden.
Seventy-three per cent said they were certain this goal would be achieved - down from 81 per cent in late September.
A total of 64 per cent said victory in the conflict will be defined by the US ability to capture or kill bin Laden, according to the poll.
Only 30 per cent said "Operation Enduring Freedom" could be called successful if the head of the al-Qaeda terror network remained free.
US President Mr George W. Bush continued to enjoy sweeping support, with 89 per cent approving of his job performance, the poll said.
AFP