United States Presence In Afghanistan And Iraq: A Comparitive Analysis Of Opinions And Policy Implications

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore undergraduate student opinion regarding the continued presence of the United States military in Afghanistan and Iraq. Using a voluntary survey instrument and quantitative research methodology, this study will attempt to differentiate between variances in opinion among undergraduate students in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Department and non-Criminology and Criminal Justice majors at the University of Texas at Arlington, while examining the impact exposure to various forms of media and academic information has on the formation of perception. This study also evaluates the potential impact the result of analyzing these variables has on domestic and foreign policy in considering correlations between knowledge and perception. Little academic research has been conducted to date regarding public opinion concerning the United States continued military presence in Afghanistan and Iraq. Limited student studies surrounding perceptions of previous wars and military conflicts also exist. For the purpose of this study, the United States military presence in both Afghanistan and Iraq will be considered, defined as troops arriving in each country following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States.