DEMOCRACY, WHISKEY, SEXY REDUX: Majority of Iraqis Oppose Obama’s Withdrawal. “Based on recent polling numbers, Iraqis want American soldiers to stay in their country more than the Americans do. . . . What happened? The surge is what happened. Contrary to what opponents of the surge said, the increased presence and aggressiveness of U.S. forces did not trigger a popular backlash because security visibly improved. The increased exposure to American forces likely also led to a certain degree of affection and respect as the anti-American myths were busted by reality.”