Forty-one percent (41%) of Americans now believe the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror. That’s up slightly from 38% a month ago, but last month’s reading matched the lowest level ever recorded. Most of the improvement results from increased confidence among Republicans. It may be that the President’s recent speeches have reassured his base supporters.

A related survey found that most Americans today believe the nation has changed for the worse since 9/11. In the immediate aftermath of that tragedy, most Americans thought the nation had changed for the better.

Republicans, by a 67% to 17% margin, say that the U.S. and its allies are winning the War. Democrats, by a 43% to 23% margin, say the terrorists are winning. Those not affiliated with either major party are evenly divided.

When it comes to the situation in Iraq, just 27% believe things will improve over the next six months. Forty-seven percent (47%) take the opposite view and say it will get worse.

Just 33% of Americans give the President good or excellent ratings for handling the situation in Iraq. That matches the number who believe our mission in Iraq will ultimately be judged a success. Forty-eight percent (48%) believe history will judge our mission to be a failure.

The President’s overall Job Approval ratings are a bit higher than his numbers on Iraq.

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Current results are not precisely comparable to 2004 survey results. Our 2004 data was based upon Interviews with Likely Voters. In 2005 and 2006, our data is based upon a sample of American Adults. It is likely that this change could have a 2-3 percentage point impact on the reported results.