I haven't much time for pollsters...

...but these results of a public opinion poll in Afghanistan are fascinating (pdf). Some highlights:

• Support for foreign troops in the country (American, British, and Canadian) runs three to one Grateful to Unhappy. So much for the 'foreign invader' argument that says we're creating more jihadis by our very presence in a Muslim land.


• Sixty-eight percent of Afghans approve of Karzai's work. There's not a politician in Canada who wouldn't gnaw off their own leg for that sort of rating.


• Nationally, support for the Taliban is dismal: "Not only do 89 percent view it unfavorably overall, but 76 percent rate it “very” unfavorably. (Osama bin Laden is even more unpopular.) And not only do 93 percent doubt the Taliban’s ability to provide security, but 84 percent have no confidence in it at all."


• Support for their methods of attack is even lower: "Majorities from 94 to 97 percent say attacking government officials, police, schools, teachers and other civilians cannot be justified. Eighty-nine percent say there can be no justification for suicide bombings."

This isn't to say the whole picture is rosy. The number of Afghans optimistic about the direction of their economy and the direction of their physical security is in decline, and the number who feel it's acceptable to grow opium poppy crops is on the rise.

But the story this survey tells is far from the hopeless one the defeatists would have us believe. In fact, don't take my word for it - read the results for yourself. And then tell me with a straight face that Canadians aren't doing good over there, if you honestly can.

Thanks to MediaRight.ca for the pointer.