Syria Military Action Poll 2013: Most Americans Oppose Obama's Military Airstrikes

Recent polls show that President Obama faces an uphill battle in making the case for U.S. military action in Syria as more Americans oppose conducting military airstrikes against Syria in response to reports that the Syrian regime used chemical weapons against its civilians in Aug.

On Wednesday, a sharply divided Senate panel approved President Obama's resolution to launch a limited military strike against Syria. Moving forward, the president must now convince Congress to support his military attack, which comes in response to allegations that the Syrian Regime used chemical weapons to kill over 1,400 of its civilians in August.

Obama's resolution would launch limited strikes against Syrian forces in a period of 60 days, with the possibility of 30 more days after consultation with Congress. It would also block the use of American ground troops.

The new national survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted on Aug. 29 to Sept 1, finds that Obama is even lacking support within his own party as only 29 percent of Democrats favor the military strikes against Syria while 48 percent are opposed. Opinion among independents is similar at 29 percent who favor and 50 percent who oppose it, but Republicans are more divided, with 35 percent favoring airstrikes and 40 percent opposed.

According to the Wall Street Journal, members of Congress are being bombarded with emails and phone calls from constituents who are adamantly opposed to U.S. intervention in Syria, which does help the president who needs congressional approval in order to launch an attack. A Washington Post poll also shows a sharp swing with 59 percent who oppose a U.S. strike.

Earlier this week, GOP party heavyweights John Boehner and Eric Cantor endorsed Obama's military resolution, however they made it clear that they will not pressure their troops to go along. At least half to two-thirds-of the House Republicans will also oppose the resolution. On the other hand, key House player thus becomes Nancy Pelosi, who favors air strikes, is risking losing the backing of liberal constituents in San Francisco. Pelosi has to produce at least 60 percent of her troops for the resolution to have a chance in the House.