Reasons for Afghanistan War

Q. Here are some reasons which are given for continuing to have Australian involvement in the war in Afghanistan. For each one could you tell me whether you think that is a very good reason, a fairly good reason, or not really a good reason at all.

	Very good reason	Fairly good reason	Not a good reason at all	Don’t know
To fight Al Qaeda and terrorism	34%	33%	25%	8%
To maintain our strategic alliance with the US	11%	36%	45%	8%
To build democracy in Afghanistan	30%	35%	25%	9%
To further human rights in Afghanistan, such as the rights of women	43%	32%	17%	8%

	Total very good reason	Labor	Liberal	Greens
To fight Al Qaeda and terrorism	34%	35%	44%	11%
To maintain our strategic alliance with the US	11%	12%	14%	7%
To build democracy in Afghanistan	30%	34%	34%	16%
To further human rights in Afghanistan, such as the rights of women	43%	48%	45%	38%

Respondents believe the best reasons for continuing Australian involvement in Afghanistan are to further human rights such as the rights of women (43%) and to fight Al Qaeda and terrorism (34%).

Liberal/National voters are more inclined to nominate fighting Al Qaeda and terrorism (44%) while Labor voters are more likely to think furthering human rights in Afghanistan, such as the rights of women (48%) is a very good reason.