Poll: What Do Iraqis Want?

Although Saddam Hussein's trial has become must-watch TV for many Iraqis, a majority of citizens say they have little interest now in dealing with members of his ousted regime, according to an exclusive poll by TIME, ABC News and several other organizations. What interests Iraqis more is this week's election for the National Assembly, in which some 7,000 candidates will be competing for 275 seats. More than three-quarters of the Iraqis polled expressed confidence that the election will create a stable government.

The TIME-ABC News poll, for which 1,711 Iraqis were interviewed in person in October and November, also showed Iraqis overall to be fairly confident about the future. Not surprisingly, however, the numbers varied dramatically from region to region. Results in areas dominated by Sunnis, who were forced from power after Saddam's fall, were relentlessly downbeat: only 25% said life is better since the war began, and just 21% said they feel very safe in their neighborhoods. In Shi'ite regions, 59% said life is better since the war started, and 82% characterized their neighborhoods as very safe.

However sanguine the majority of Iraqis feel, patience with the U.S. occupation seems to be wearing thin. Nearly 60% of respondents said the U.S. and its allies have done a bad job carrying out their responsibilities in Iraq, while 65% said they oppose the troops' presence in the country. But almost everyone agrees on the nation's No. 1 priority: improving public security.

IRAQIS HAVE STRONG FAITH IN THE FUTURE ...

•Overall, how would you say things are going these days ...

... in your life? Very well .......... 22% Quite well .......... 49% Quite badly .......... 18% Very badly .......... 11%

... in Iraq overall? Very well .......... 14% Quite well .......... 30% Quite badly .......... 23% Very badly .......... 30%

•What is your expectation for how things will be a year from now ...

... in your life? Better .......... 64% Same .......... 14% Worse .......... 12%

... in Iraq overall? Better .......... 69% Same .......... 11% Worse .......... 11% ... BUT WANT SECURITY TO BE RESTORED

•What is your main priority for Iraq over the next 12 months? (Top five answers) Regaining public security .......... 57% Getting U.S. forces out .......... 10% Rebuilding infrastructure .......... 9% Increasing oil production .......... 7% Having a stable government .......... 5%

63% said dealing with members of the Saddam Hussein regime is “no priority at all”

•How has the security situation changed since Iraq regained sovereignty in June 2004?

Those saying it's better Better: 41% Don't know: 10%

Who is responsible for the improvement? Iraqi police .......... 28% Government .......... 22% Iraqi army .......... 12% Security forces .......... 10%

Those saying it's worse Worse: 31% Same: 18%

Who is responsible for the deterioration? Americans .......... 34% Government .......... 30% Terrorists .......... 17% Iraqi police .......... 5%

•Do you think security will improve or worsen in a year? Improve .......... 70% Worsen .......... 12%

•How safe do you feel in your neighborhood? Very safe .......... 63% Not very safe ..........30%