WASHINGTON, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The war in Afghanistan is losing support among the U.S. public, a Washington Post-ABC News poll released Wednesday indicated.

The poll found most Americans are confident the United States can defeat the Taliban and achieve economic and political reform but 51 percent said the war is not worth fighting -- up from 45 percent one month ago -- the Post reported.

Only about 25 percent support sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan while 45 percent want a reduction in U.S. troop strength there.

President Barack Obama in January ordered an increase of 17,000 troops in Afghanistan and there have been reports recently that U.S. commanders are preparing to ask for more troops.

The poll found 60 percent of Americans approve of Obama's handling of Afghanistan but a majority of liberals and a majority of Democrats said they oppose the war and want the president to reduce troop strength in Afghanistan.

Released one day before Afghanistan is scheduled to hold a presidential election, the poll found 42 percent of Americans say the United States is winning in Afghanistan and 36 percent say it is losing.