LOS ANGELES -- A majority of Americans support military action to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, although most want the United States to gain approval from other countries first, according to a Los Angeles Times poll.

A survey of 1,372 adults nationwide taken last month found that 59 percent of Americans believe the United States should take military action to remove Hussein. Just 29 percent were opposed and 12 percent were unsure.

An even larger majority of 64 percent said they would support a ground attack on Iraq if President Bush decided to launch one, with 28 percent opposed.

However, 61 percent of those who support military action said they believe the United States should attack Iraq only with support from the international community.

The Times poll also found that support for war with Iraq might drop significantly if U.S. forces suffered significant casualties. When asked whether they would support a ground attack on Iraq if casualties were high, 45 percent said yes and 41 percent said no.

Other findings include:

60 percent of the public believes Bush is considering an attack against Iraq because he genuinely believes Hussein is a threat to U.S. security, against 27 percent who say the president is acting for political motives.

79 percent said they believe Hussein supports the al-Qaida terrorist group that launched the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

77 percent of the public believes that U.S. military action against Iraq is likely in the next year.

66 percent believe that if a war occurs, it will increase the likelihood of terrorism against Americans.

64 percent said they expect more terrorist attacks in the U.S. within six months.

The poll, with an error margin of plus or minus 3 percentage points, was conducted Aug. 22-25.