The American public is increasingly optimistic about the situation in Iraq, but is not as interested as it once was in global engagement, a new survey from the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press and CFR shows.

–According to the poll, 58 percent of Americans say U.S. military operations in Iraq are going well. Still, 45 percent say the United States should keep troops in Iraq, while 50 percent say the United States should withdraw. By comparison, a recent Chicago Council on Global Affairs public opinion survey (PDF) showed 67 percent of Americans say the United States should withdraw right away.

–The study shows major differences between the political parties on other issues. 28 percent of Republicans and 43 percent of Democrats say strengthening the United Nations should be a priority.  The Chicago Council on Global affairs survey showed 39 percent of all Americans said strengthening the United Nations is very important.

–22 percent of Republicans say dealing with climate change should be a priority, compared with 64 percent of Democrats. 76 percent of Americans rated energy independence a top priority. This figure corroborates the findings of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs study, which showed 80 percent of Americans said securing adequate energy supplies is “very important.”

–In 2004, 47 percent of Americans listed the prevention of genocide as a top foreign policy goal for the United States. Now, the study shows, only 36 percent prioritize genocide prevention.

The poll also looked at presidential politics, noting that a large majority of swing voters view Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) as better equipped to deal with foreign policy than Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL). 60 percent of Americans say the next president should focus on domestic policy rather than foreign policy.