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John Daley reportingThe poll of 500 Utahns by Survey USA finds strong support for the U.S. troops staying in Iraq. And if Saddam is found guilty of killing Iraqis, there's strong support for giving him the death penalty.
When U.S. forces tracked down and caught a very scraggly-looking Saddam Hussein, one thing was immediately clear. It was a significant symbolic victory for the U.S.
Soldiers and their families are amongst those celebrating the most.
We spoke with the wife of Lt. Col. Ed Gundersen who commands the 142nd's military intelligence battalion. His team did forensics work at Saddam's hideout just after the capture and he called Sunday with the good news.
Diane Gunderson/ Wife of U.S. Soldier in Iraq: "The mood was very good. It was a great morale boost. The people of Iraq fear Saddam Hussein so much. I think that was a lot of the problem."
Just what effect Saddam's capture will have on the Iraqi insurgency is anybody's guess.
An exclusive new poll of 500 Utahns by SurveyUSA for Eyewitness News finds 38% think the capture will break the spirit of his remaining supporters. But 59% think those who support him will continue to fight.
Already a debate is beginning about what should happen next to the former Iraqi strongman.
Only one Utahn in 10 thinks he should be tried by Americans. 42% say he should be tried by Iraqis. 47% say he should be tried by an international tribunal.
We also asked Utahns if Hussein is found guilty of killing Iraqis, should he be sentenced to life in prison or sentenced to death.
78% think Hussein deserves the death penalty. Only 20% say give him life in prison.
But for many, all those issues can wait for another day.
We also asked: Should the U.S. stay or go in Iraq?
Overwhelmingly the answer is to stay. 90% say the U.S. should remain in Iraq and only 8% say the U.S. should withdraw.
