TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Amid continue provocative actions and threats by North Korea, a new Gallup poll found a majority of Americans would support taking military action against the communist country if peaceful means fail.
Fifty-eight percent of Americans said they would favor using military action against North Korea if the U.S. does not accomplish its goals with economic and diplomatic efforts, while 39 percent are opposed.
The percentage favoring military action is up significantly from the last time Gallup asked the question in 2003, when 47 percent were in favor.
Gallup said the major shift has been among Republicans, with 82 percent now favoring military action compared to 59 percent in 2003.
Support for military action among independents has also risen to 56 percent from 41 percent, while support among Democrats has actually fallen to 37 percent from 41 percent.
Along with the increase in support for military action against North Korea, the poll also showed Americans are less optimistic that the situation can be resolved using only economic and diplomatic efforts.
Fifty percent still believe the situation with North Korea can be resolved using only economic and diplomatic efforts, although that is down from 72 percent in 2003.
Nonetheless, a majority of Americans continue to believe that North Korea is not likely to take military action against the U.S. in the next six months.
The survey was conducted before the latest missile test by North Korea, which launched a missile over Japan and into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday.
The Gallup poll of 1,022 adults was conducted September 6th through 10th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX