Meaning: This quote by Paul Bremer, an American diplomat who served as the Administrator of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Iraq from 2003 to 2004, addresses the issue of measuring public opinion in Iraq following the coalition's intervention in the country. The quote underscores the difficulty in accurately gauging public sentiment in Iraq due to the lack of reliable polling data. Despite the challenges in measuring public opinion, Bremer asserts that the majority of Iraqis express a preference for freedom and express gratitude for the coalition's role in liberating them.

The context of this quote is essential for understanding its significance. In the aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq by a U.S.-led coalition, the country underwent a period of significant political and social upheaval. The removal of Saddam Hussein's regime, which had been in power for decades, created an environment of uncertainty and transition. The Coalition Provisional Authority, under Bremer's leadership, was tasked with overseeing the governance and reconstruction of Iraq during this transitional period.

Bremer's statement reflects his perspective on the prevailing sentiment among Iraqis at the time. He acknowledges the difficulty of obtaining accurate polling data in Iraq, citing the absence of "really good polling." This acknowledgment underscores the challenges inherent in assessing public opinion in a complex and volatile post-conflict environment. The lack of reliable polling data in Iraq during this period made it difficult to quantify and analyze the attitudes and preferences of the Iraqi population with precision.

Despite the limitations in polling, Bremer asserts that the polls he has seen consistently indicate that the vast majority of Iraqis express a desire for freedom and express gratitude for the coalition's role in liberating them. This assertion aligns with the narrative promoted by the coalition regarding the liberation of Iraq from the oppressive rule of Saddam Hussein's regime. It reflects the coalition's efforts to present its intervention as a liberation that was welcomed by the Iraqi people.

It is important to note that Bremer's statement reflects a particular perspective and interpretation of the situation in Iraq during his tenure as the head of the CPA. The assertion that the majority of Iraqis prefer to be free and are pleased with the coalition's actions may not capture the full spectrum of opinions and experiences within the diverse Iraqi population. It is also essential to consider the complexities of post-conflict societies, where sentiments and attitudes can vary widely among different demographic groups and regions.

In the years following Bremer's tenure in Iraq, the country continued to experience significant challenges, including sectarian violence, insurgency, and political instability. The complex and evolving nature of Iraq's sociopolitical landscape underscores the dynamic and multifaceted nature of public opinion within the country. As such, any assessment of public sentiment in Iraq should be approached with a nuanced understanding of the historical, cultural, and political dynamics at play.

In conclusion, Paul Bremer's quote reflects the complexities of measuring public opinion in post-conflict Iraq and underscores the challenges associated with obtaining reliable polling data in such a context. While his assertion regarding the preference for freedom and gratitude for the coalition's actions reflects a specific perspective, it highlights the broader narrative promoted by the coalition at the time. Understanding public opinion in Iraq requires a nuanced appreciation of the country's complex history and sociopolitical dynamics, as well as a recognition of the diverse and multifaceted nature of Iraqi society.