Americans are evenly divided as to whether the war in Iraq is part of the larger War on Terror or a distraction from it. The latest Rasmussen Reports national opinion survey finds that 43% believe Iraq is part of the War on Terror while 44% disagree and view it as a distraction (see crosstabs).

Republicans overwhelmingly view Iraq as part of the War on Terror, Democrats overwhelmingly view it as a distraction, and those not affiliated with either party are evenly divided. Currently, 41% of Americans believe the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror.

A plurality of Americans, 43%, continue to believe that there were links between Saddam Hussein’s government and Al Qaeda prior to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Thirty-two percent (32%) disagree while 25% are not sure. Once again, there are huge partisan divides on this question. By a 59% to 19% margin, Republicans say there were Iraqi-Al Qaeda links. Democrats disagree by a 46% to 34% margin.

Women, by a 46% to 27% margin, believe that there were pre-9/11 links between the organizations. Men were more evenly divided.

This survey was conducted on Sunday and Monday nights, following news stories of a declassified report suggesting that some intelligence analysts strongly disputed the alleged links between Hussein’s government and the bin Laden group. The overwhelming majority of interviews were completed before the President’s on Monday night.

The survey of 1,000 adults also found that Americans support the President’s call for trying suspected terrorists with military tribunals. Fifty-seven percent (57%) favor the proposal while just 24% are opposed. Republicans are overwhelmingly in favor while Democrats are more evenly divided. Among those not affiliated with either major party, 50% favor the military tribunals and 24% are opposed.

The survey clearly stated that President Bush asked Congress for the authority to conduct the trials by military tribunals. Despite clearly identifying the proposal with President Bush, 36% of the nation’s Democrats are in favor of it.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members.