The most recent violence in Iraq continues to disturb an American public as questions about whether the U.S. military presence in the country is working.
Richard Hermann, political science professor at Ohio State University and the director of the Mershon Center, says while violence in Iraq is expected, the violence is spreading to areas thought to be friendly to U.S troops. He adds it is difficult to grasp the true attitudes of Iraq toward the U.S. occupation because there could be various groups attacking soldiers.
John Mueller, who also teaches political science at OSU, agrees several groups---organized or not--have competing interests in getting U.S. troops out of the country. Mueller says despite some belief that ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein is behind the attacks, there is little proof pointing to his involvement.
Mueller says he doubts the Bush administration will start changing policies. Instead, he thinks the U.S. may attempt to speed up plans for the Iraqis to govern themselves. Richard Hermann says the violence may prompt the U.S. to seek out international help---a prospect that would mean surrendering control of the the country.