Note: We are presenting raw data. To analyze the data, we encourage users to read the entire study and the methodology used. Sample size, question wording, and question order can affect results and reliability. Context and timing may also influence responses, for example, if the survey is conducted during a war.

Is Hezbollah a terrorist organization or not? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 11-13, 2024)

	2024
Yes	52%
No	11%
Unsure/DK	37%

Are the protests on campus now mostly about saving lives in Gaza or more about supporting the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists who want to eliminate Israel? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, October 11-13, 2024)

	2024
Mostly about saving lives in Gaza	63%
More about supporting the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists	37%

Do you think an author who supports the terrorist campaigns of Hamas and Hezbollah should be given airtimes on national TV shows or should not be invited to such shows? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, October 11-13, 2024)

	2024
Should be given airtimes on national TV shows	35%
Should not be invited to such shows	65%

A journalist who interviewed an author of a book that favored the terrorist actions of Hamas and Hezbollah to eliminate Israel faced sharp questioning over why the author never mentioned how Israel was attacked by these terrorists. Was the interviewer right or wrong to question the author? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, October 11-13, 2024)

	2024
Right	64%
Wrong	36%

The network said the interviewer overstepped his bounds by questioning the premises of the book and had the wrong tone in his questions. Do you think this was a fair criticism of the interviewer or do you think this was unfair criticism of the interviewer? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, October 11-13, 2024)

	2024
Fair criticism	54%
Unfair criticism	46%

Do you approve or disapprove of the way Joe Biden is fighting terrorism? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023, February 21-22, 2024)

	2023	2024
Approve	46%	44%
Disapprove	48%	51%

Do you think the recent attack on Israel was a terrorist attack or not? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, February 21-22, 2024)

	2024
Yes	83%
No	17%

Do you think that Hamas would like to commit genocide against the Jews in Israel or is that not a goal of Hamas? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, December 13-14, 2023)

Trying to avoid	69%
Not trying to avoid	31%

Do you think Hamas is acting alone or with the support of Iran? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, December 13-14, 2023)

Acting alone	26%
Supported by Iran	74%

Do you think Hamas is supported by the majority of Palestinians in Gaza or is Hamas a terror group that rules the people of Gaza with force and fear and is not supported by them? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023, December 13-14, 2023)

	October 2023	December 2023
Hamas is supported by the majority of Palestinians in Gaza	32%	34%
Hamas a terror group that rules the people of Gaza with force and fear and is not supported by them	68%	66%

Do you think Hamas is an organization that can be negotiated with to create peace or is Hamas dedicated only to the destruction of Israel? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, December 13-14, 2023)

Can be negotiated with to create peace	36%
Dedicated only to the destruction of Israel	64%

[Regarding attacks in the Middle East after the start of the war in Gaza] Should the US respond to any such attacks with strikes against terrorist groups or should it just defend itself against such attacks? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, December 13-14, 2023)

Respond with strikes against terrorist groups	67%
Just defend itself but not strike back	33%

Should Hamas be allowed to continue to run Gaza or does Hamas need to be removed from running Gaza? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, December 13-14, 2023)

Allowed to continue to run Gaza	19%
Removed from running Gaza	81%

If Hamas is removed, should Gaza be administered by Israel, by the Palestinian Authority or by some new authority set up through negotiations with Arab nations? (Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll, December 13-14, 2023)

Administered by Israel	34%
Administered by the Palestinian Authority	27%
Administered by some new authority set up with Arab nations	38%

How concerned are you that the war between Israel and Hamas could lead to terrorist attacks inside the United States; very concerned, somewhat concerned, not so concerned, or not concerned at all? (Quinnipiac, November 9-13, 2023)

	November 13, 2023
Very/Somewhat concerned	71%
Not so/Not concerned	27%

Is Iran behind the terrorist attacks in the region? (harrisx for Jewish Federations of North America and Conference of Presidents, November 13, 2023)

Iran is behind the attacks	68%
Iran is not behind the attacks	32%

Does Israel have a responsibility to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks and rockets by retaliating against Hamas terrorists or not? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Yes	88%
No	12%

Does Israel have a right to defend itself against rocket and terror attacks on its cities by launching air strikes on terrorist targets in heavily populated Palestinian areas with warnings to those citizens or does it not have the right to launch such attacks?? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Yes	84%
No	16%

Do you think the recent attack on Israel was a terrorist attack or not? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Yes	86%
No	14%

Do you think the recent attack focused on the Israeli military or indiscriminately targeted civilians? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Israeli military	26%
Indiscriminately targeted civilians	74%

Do you think it's true that Hamas terrorists killed 1200 Israeli civilians by shooting them, raping and beheading people including whole families, kids and babies or is that a false story? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

True	83%
A false story	17%

Do you think Hamas fighters are more appropriately called militants or terrorists? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Militants	21%
Terrorists	79%

Do you think Hamas fighters are more appropriately called an armed Palestinian group or a terrorist group? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Palestinian group	24%
Terrorist group	76%

Do you think Hamas is designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. government or is that not the case? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Is designated as a terrorist group	78%
Is not	22%

Do you think the recent attack on Israel shows there is widespread anti-Semitism and hatred of Jews among Palestinians or does the attack reflect the actions of only terrorists and fundamentalists and not the will of Palestinian people? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Shows there is widespread anti-Semitism and hatred of Jews among Palestinians	56%
Reflect the actions of only terrorists and fundamentalists and not the will of Palestinian people?	44%

Do you think that the American right or American left give more support to Hamas? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Right	43%
Left	57%

Do you think universities have a moral obligation to condemn the Hamas terrorist killings or should they not make any statements on it? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Obligation to condemn Hamas terrorist killings	53%
Not make any statement	47%

Do you think big U.S. corporations have a moral obligation to condemn the Hamas terrorist killings or should they not make
any statements on it? (Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll, October 18, 2023)

Obligation to condemn Hamas terrorist killings	51%
Not make any statement	49%

How serious of a threat do you think Hamas poses to the United States? (The Economist/YouGov, October 14-17, 2023)

An immediate and serious threat to the U.S.	34%
A somewhat serious threat	23%
A minor threat	15%
Not a threat	10%
Not sure	18%

How serious of a threat do you think Hezbollah poses to the United States? (The Economist/YouGov, October 14-17, 2023)

An immediate and serious threat to the U.S.	27%
A somewhat serious threat	23%
A minor threat	14%
Not a threat	8%
Not sure	28%

How serious of a threat do you think al Qaeda poses to the United States? (The Economist/YouGov, October 14-17, 2023)

An immediate and serious threat to the U.S.	36%
A somewhat serious threat	28%
A minor threat	14%
Not a threat	5%
Not sure	17%

Which comes closer to your view of what Hamas is? (The Economist/YouGov, October 14-17, 2023)

Hamas is the official Palestinian government	33%
Hamas exists outside the official Palestinian government	67%

How worried are you that the fighting between Israel and Hamas will lead to terrorism in the U.S.? (CNN, October 12-13, 2023)

Very	23%
Somewhat	43%
Not too	23%
Not at all	12%

Do you think the United States does or does not have a responsibility to fight terrorism in the Middle East? (ABC News/IPSOS, October 13-14, 2023)

Does	55%
Does not	41%

Who is winning the War on Terrorism - the United States and its allies or the terrorists? (Rasmussen Reports, October 2015)

U.S./Allies	26%
Terrorists	46%
Neither	22%
Not sure/No Answer	7%

Who or what is the greatest threat to the United States? (McLaughlin & Associates, May 19, 2009)

	Total
Terrorism	15%
Ourselves	7%
Economy	6%
Barack Obama	5%
Iraq	4%
Al-Qaeda	4%
Government	3%
North Korea	3%
Immigration/Illegal Aliens	3%
Iran	3%
Don't know/Refused	15%

Do you think that Israel should begin negotiations with Hamas now?...or do you think that Israel should...Not negotiate with Hamas until it stops its attacks on Israel? (The Israel Project National Survey, March 2008)

Begin	50%
Not negotiate	39%

The $3 billion the United States gives Israel a year in foreign aid is a good investment to help Israel defend themselves and to help the US fight terrorism. (The Israel Project National Survey, March 2008)

		Agree	Disagree
	Total	67%	29%
By News Source	Fox (23%)	77%	18%
	CNN (13%)	66%	29%
	Local News (12%)	80%	20%
	NBC (10%)	60%	34%
By Party	GOP (33%)	76%	20%
	Independent (29%)	58%	38%
	Democrats (37%)	65%	29%

Do you believe that...Israel is a vital ally to the US...or that...Israel is not a vital ally to the US? (The Israel Project National Survey, March 2008)

Vital ally	76%
Not a vital ally	19%

The U.S. is more likely to be targeted for terrorist attack because of our support for Israel. (ADL, October, 2007)

	2005	2006	2007
Strongly agree	35%	30%	34%
Agree	38%	38%	31%

[To those who agreed:] In your opinion, should the U.S. continue to support Israel even if it means there will be a greater risk of terrorist attacks against America or pull back from its support of Israel to minimize the risk of a terrorist attack in this country? (ADL, October, 2007)

	2003	2005	2007
Continue to support Israel	62%	61%	57%
Pull back from its support	31%	31%	34%

Thinking about the present situation, would you say that the world is becoming safer or more dangerous for the United States and the American people? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)

Safer	2
Stayed the same	7
More dangerous	91

What is the ONE principal reason why you think the world is becoming safer for the American people? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)

Islamic/Muslim/Jihadist hostility/anger/animosity	50
Anti-Terrorism/Successful strategies	50

What is the ONE principal reason why you think the world is becoming more dangerous for the American people? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)

Iraq War	39
Islamic/Muslim/Jihadist hostility/anger/animosity	19
Failed/misguided/wrongheaded US policies	16
Alienated/Resentment in rest of world	9
Nuclear/WMD proliferation	9
Reduction in alliances/Less support for US leadership	8
Israel-Palestine/Middle East (non-Iraq)	7
Rise in anti-Americanism	3
Al-Qaeda resurgence/momentum	2
Terrorist bases in Pakistan/Situation in Pakistan	2
Unilateralism/Unilateral force	1
No major military power as adversary	1
Not one particular reason	1
Complacency	1

What is the ONE principal reason why you think the world has stayed the same for the American people? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)

Anti-Terrorism/Successful strategies	50
Iraq War	25
Islamic/Muslim/Jihadist hostility/anger/animosity	16
Not one particular reason	16
Increase in U.S. diplomatic efforts	16
Danger is spread out across the world	9
Less attacks outside Iraq/Tougher environment for terrorists	9

In your view, what is the SINGLE GREATEST threat to U.S. national security? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)

Nuclear materials/weapons	26
Islamicism/Al Qaeda/Jihadists	20
Terrorism	12
Bush Administration/US leaders/Intelligence failures/Unilateralism	11
WMD's	9
Overextended US/inability to meet multiple challenges	6
Iran	3
Climate Change	3
Economic decline	2
China	2
Continued Iraq war/Middle-East conflict	2
Biological terrorism	2
Anti-Americanism	1
Poverty in developed world	1
Non-state groups/actors	1

Below is a list of U.S. policy objectives. Please choose the one you believe is most important to achieve in the next five years. (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)

Winning the hearts and minds of the Muslim world	30
A stable, secure Iraq	15
A global decline in terrorist violence	11
An Iran that renounces uranium enrichment	10
U.S. energy security	10
No new nuclear arms races	8
(International consensus/Moral leadership/Alliances)	5
A stable, secure Afghanistan	1
(Development of nation-building capacity)	1
(Pakistan security/Nuclear program)	1
Other	9

Which two countries are most likely to transfer nuclear technology to terrorists in the next three to five years? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)

Pakistan	74
North Korea	42
Russia	38
Iran	31
United States	5
Other	8
None of these	2

What country/region is most likely to become the next Al-Qaeda stronghold? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)

Pakistan	35
Iraq	22
Somalia	11
Sudan	8
Afghanistan	7
Palestinian territories	5
United Kingdom	2
Lebanon	2
Egypt	1
Western Europe	1
Algeria	1
Other	5

Do you see international terror as a critical threat, an important but not critical threat, or not an important threat at all over the next ten years? (World Public Opinion.org, December 11, 2006)

Critical Threat	68%
An important, but not critical threat	27%
Not an important threat at all	4%
Refused/Don't Know	2%

Do you see terror attacks in your country as a critical threat, an important but not critical threat, or not an important threat at all over the next ten years? (World Public Opinion.org, December 11, 2006)

Critical Threat	68%
An important, but not critical threat	27%
Not an important threat at all	4%
Refused/Don't Know	1%

Which position is closer to yours: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)

The only way to counter the threat of terrorism is to find and destroy terrorists. It is naive and pointless to try to understand their intentions or imagine that we can address any of their concerns	35%
Trying to destroy terrorists is not enough because if we are too heavy-handed, it just breeds more hostility and more terrorists. It is necessary to address the sources of the hostility in the larger societies that the terrorists come from	61%

Please indicate which of the following two statements comes closer to your own view. (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)

The threat of terrorism is the most important issue of our time, and we should be willing to do whatever it takes to fight it	27%
While terrorism is an important threat it is important to remember that it is not the only one we face. We should not let our concern about terrorism overwhelm all other priorities	71%

Do you think terrorism is or not a threat to your country? (Gallup International, July-September, 2006)
(% that believes terrorism is a threat to their country)

Colombia	97%
India	97%
Israel	93%
USA	93%
Peru	91%
UK	90%
Indonesia	89%
Russia	87%
Spain	85%
Turkey	85%
France	84%
Germany	82%
Panama	82%
Thailand	82%
Italy	80%
Canada	80%
Singapore	78%
Pakistan	76%
Denmark	73%
Venezuela	71%

Do you think that the war in Iraq has increased, decreased, or had no effect on the likelihood of terrorist attacks around the world? (BBC World Service, October 2005-January 2006)

	Increased	Decreased	Has had no effect	Other/DK/NA (vol)
Afghanistan	39	29	20	12
Argentina	76	3	11	11
Australia	73	4	19	3
Brazil	56	15	27	3
Canada	69	5	22	5
Chile	47	16	23	14
China	85	5	6	5
Congo	44	16	21	20
Egypt	83	1	6	10
Finland	82	4	11	3
France	67	3	27	4
Germany	80	4	14	2
Ghana	42	30	5	23
Great Britain	77	3	17	3
India	44	18	19	20
Indonesia	72	7	10	11
Iran	77	12	8	3
Iraq	75	12	11	2
Italy	81	1	15	3
Kenya	41	34	10	15
Mexico	10	12	59	19
Nigeria	29	49	6	16
Philippines	61	13	8	18
Poland	76	6	12	5
Russia	58	5	26	12
Saudi Arabia	49	2	9	40
Senegal	61	17	11	11
South Africa	42	18	10	30
South Korea	84	4	12	0
Spain	79	4	12	5
Sri Lanka	31	6	10	53
Tanzania	49	37	7	7
Turkey	64	6	14	17
United States	55	21	21	3
Zimbabwe	44	16	8	32

Average	60	12	15	13

AGREE/DISAGREE: The U.S. is more likely to be targeted for terrorist attack because of our support for Israel? (ADL, March 18-25, 2005)

Agree	68%
Disagree	25%

ASKED TO THOSE WHO AGREE: In your opinion, should the US …? (ADL, March 18-25, 2005)

Continue to support Israel even if it means there will be a greater risk of terrorist attacks against America	61%
Pull back from its support of Israel to minimize the risk of a terrorist attack in this country	31%

Next, I'd like to get your overall opinion of some people who were in the news this year. As I read each name, please say if you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of this person — or if you have never heard of him or her: Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat. (Gallup)

	1/6-8/94*	12/4-6/98	12/28-29/98	5/7-9/99	7/6-9/00	10/25-28/00	2/5-6/02	5/20-22/02
Favorable	23%	24%	35%	26%	27%	18%	17%	7%
Unfavorable	52%	47%	45%	44%	45%	64%	73%	80%
Never heard of	8%	9%	5%	6%	8%	6%	3%	3%
No Opinion	17%	20%	15%	24%	20%	12%	7%	10%

* Asked as PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat

If you had to choose, who has been the greater victim of violence ...? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

The Israelis	40%
The Palestinians	21%
Don't know	39%

And again, if you had to choose, which side do you think is more eager to bring about an end to the violence? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

The Israelis	48%
The Palestinians	15%
Don't know	37%

And in your opinion, have the Palestinian leaders engaged in a sustained fight against terrorists and dismantled their infrastructure or have they not taken these steps? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

Fought against terrorists	10%
Not taken these steps	73%
Don't know/Refused	17%

Do you think of organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorists or freedom fighters? If you have heard of the organizations but have no opinion or have never heard of the organizations, just say so. (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

Terrorists	51%
Freedom Fighters	6%
Heard of/No Opinion	19%
Never heard of	24%

The White House has said that force can and should be used against terrorists and their safe havens involved in operations intended to kill Americans. Do you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with this policy? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

Strongly Agree	58%
Somewhat Agree	22%
Somewhat Disagree	7%
Strongly Disagree	7%
Don't know/Refused	6%

Does Israel have the right to use pre-emptive force against terrorists and their safe havens? (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

Yes, have the right	69%
Not have right	18%
Don't know/Refused	13%

Now I'm going to read you a list of statements. After each one, tell me whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree or strongly disagree with the statement. (Center for Security Policy, June, 2003)

"The Palestinians could stop the terrorism against Israel and Israelis if they really wanted to."

Strongly Agree	38%
Somewhat Agree	29%
Somewhat Disagree	17%
Strongly Disagree	9%
Don't know/Refused	8%

"Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other arab countries could stop the terrorism against Israel and Israelis if they really wanted to."

Strongly Agree	42%
Somewhat Agree	26%
Somewhat Disagree	13%
Strongly Disagree	10%
Don't know/Refused	10%

"The Arabs should be required to recognize Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state before Israel is required to recognize a new Palestinian state."

Strongly Agree	36%
Somewhat Agree	24%
Somewhat Disagree	16%
Strongly Disagree	11%
Don't know/Refused	14%

"Israel should not give up land that could be used by terrorist organizations to launch raids into Israeli territory even if the Palestinians promised to make peace with Israel."

Strongly Agree	37%
Somewhat Agree	25%
Somewhat Disagree	15%
Strongly Disagree	11%
Don't know/Refused	12%

Do you think that Israel's struggle with the Palestinians is best described as a part of the war on terrorism, like the US struggle with Al Qaeda; as a conflict between two national groups fighting over the same piece of land; OR would you describe it some other way? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Part of war on terrorism	17%
Conflict over land	46%
Other	29%
Don't know	7%

Do you think that Israel's struggle with the Palestinians is best described as a part of the war on terrorism, like the US struggle with Al Qaeda; as a conflict between two national groups fighting over the same piece of land; OR would you describe it some other way? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Part of war on terrorism	17%
Conflict over land	46%
Other	29%
Don't know	7%

There is a controversy over whether the military actions Israel has taken in the West Bank in recent weeks were all legitimate means of trying to root out terrorists, or if they were also meant to punish the general Palestinian population. Which of the following best describes your impression of the purpose of the operation? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

The Israelis have been primarily trying to punish the population	21%
The Israelis have only been trying to root out terrorists, though they may have hurt some civilians unintentionally, OR	36%
The Israelis have been primarily trying to root out terrorists, but in some cases have also tried to punish the population	34%
Don't know	8%

Here is the Israeli position on this issue:
To capture the organizers of terrorist attacks that killed scores of Israeli civilians, Israeli forces had no choice but to seek out the terrorists. Israel was forced to do this because the Palestinian Authority has reneged on its own commitment to prevent terrorism. The Israeli forces had orders to avoid hurting civilians and to surgically target the terrorists. The extensive damage that occurred was in the context of difficult house-to-house fighting. Israel only acted like the US in Afghanistan in seeking out terrorists who murder its citizens. Do you find this statement convincing or unconvincing? Would that be very or somewhat (un)convincing? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Very convincing	28%
Somewhat convincing	24%
Somewhat unconvincing	20%
Very unconvincing	20%
Don't know	7%

Here is the Palestinian position on this issue:
Israeli forces have killed women and children, bulldozed entire neighborhoods crushing the people living there, fired missiles into densely populated areas, blocked access of ambulances, and cut off electricity and water to whole towns for long periods. The Red Cross has declared that Israel has violated the Geneva conventions, UN agencies have protested Israeli actions, and the UN has created a fact-finding team which Israel is resisting. Clearly these actions are designed to hurt innocent Palestinian civilians, not just to target terrorist groups. Do you find this statement convincing or unconvincing? Would that be very or somewhat (un)convincing? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Very convincing	31%
Somewhat convincing	22%
Somewhat unconvincing	18%
Very unconvincing	19%
Don't know	9%

Now, having heard both of these positions, which of the following best describes your impression of the purpose of the operation:? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

The Israelis have been primarily trying to punish the population	21%
The Israelis have only been trying to root out terrorists, though they may have hurt some civilians unintentionally, OR	30%
The Israelis have been primarily trying to root out terrorists, but in some cases have also tried to punish the population	37%
Don't know	10%

Another controversy is whether Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians are a justifiable means for the Palestinians to put pressure on Israel.

Here is a statement in support of the view that such attacks are not justifiable.
Deliberate and premeditated targeting of unarmed civilians in stores and markets and religious ceremonies is murder and nothing more. This is evil, and no grievance or perceived grievance can justify such acts against innocent civilians. If the suicide bombers succeed in bringing Israel to its knees, this will only encourage more suicide bombing all around the world, including the US. Do you find this statement convincing or unconvincing? Would that be very or somewhat (un)convincing? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Very convincing	57%
Somewhat convincing	21%
Somewhat unconvincing	8%
Very unconvincing	9%
Don't know	6%

Here is a statement in support of the view that such attacks are justifiable:
For over thirty years, in violation of UN resolutions, Israel has occupied Palestinian territories, confiscated land, and killed hundreds of Palestinian civilians. Faced with an overwhelming military power, the Palestinians' only option is to attack Israeli civilians to press Israel to stop killing Palestinian civilians and end its occupation. Under international law, a person who is under occupation has a right to resist the occupier. Do you find this statement convincing or unconvincing? Would that be very or somewhat (un)convincing? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Very convincing	18%
Somewhat convincing	23%
Somewhat unconvincing	21%
Very unconvincing	28%
Don't know	9%

Now, having heard both of these statements, are you more inclined to believe that Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians are justifiable or not justifiable as a means for the Palestinians to put pressure on Israel to end its occupation? (PIPA, May 8, 2002)

Justifiable	16%
Not justifiable	76%
Don't know	7%

Please tell me whether you strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, or strongly agree with the following statement: "If Israel fails to stop suicide bombing as a terrorist tactic, the same tactic may be used in the United States." (ADL, April 26-May 6, 2002)

Agree	63%
Disagree	28%

Some people have said that the September 11th attacks on the U.S. signify a new and dangerous era in our country's history -- potentially as important as the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Others say that the U.S. and our allies have the necessary strength and determination to win the war on terrorism -- and while the September 11th attacks were terrible events, they do not signify a new and dangerous era for the American people.
Which one of these statements is closer to your own view? (ADL, April 26-May 6, 2002)

	2002	10/2001
Likely	68%	84%
Unlikely	27%	12%

How likely is it that there will be another major terrorist attack in the U.S. within the next 12 months? (ADL, April 26-May 6, 2002

New and dangerous era	59%
Not a new and dangerous era	33%

Thinking about Israel’s ties with the U.S., do you think Israel’s current military action will make it more difficult for the U.S. to win the war on terrorism, or not? (Gallup/CNN/USA Today, April 3, 2002)

Yes, more difficult	54%
No, not	35%
No Opinion	11%

If the U.S. reduced its level of support for Israel, do you think this would decrease the likelihood of future acts of terrorism against the U.S., or would it make no difference? (Gallup/CNN/USA Today, April 5-7, 2002)

Yes, decrease	21%
No, makes no difference	74%
Increase (vol.)	4%
No Opinion	1%

As you may know, U.S. policy says that anyone who harbors terrorists will be treated as an enemy of the United States. Do you think that policy should or should not apply to Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat? (Gallup/CNN/USA Today, April 3, 2002)

Yes, should apply	77%
No, should not	16%
No Opinion	7%

Would you describe Palestinian Leader Yasser Arafat as an enemy of the United States, or not? (Gallup/CNN/USA Today, April 5-7, 2002

Yes, enemy	59%
No, not enemy	34%
No Opinion	7%

What should the Israelis do with Yasser Arafat -- [ROTATED: kill him, send him into exile, or let him go]? (Gallup/CNN/USA Today, April 3, 2002

Kill him	12%
Send him into exile	52%
Let him go	22%
No Opinion	7%

Do you believe these acts are/were justified or unjustified? (USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll, March 1-3, 2002, for U.S. data and 2002 Gallup Poll of the Islamic World for Islamic country data)

	World Trade Center/Pentagon Attacks		U.S. military action in Afghanistan
	Justified	Unjustified	Justified	Unjustified
USA	6%	90%	77%	12%
Iran	13%	68%	9%	78%
Kuwait	36%	38%	17%	69%
Lebanon	20%	70%	20%	69%
Pakistan	18%	61%	4%	80%
Turkey	9%	77%	19%	60%

Do you believe groups of Arabs carried out the attacks against the USA on Sept. 11? (USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll, March 1-3, 2002, for U.S. data and 2002 Gallup Poll of the Islamic World for Islamic country data)

	True	Not True	No Opinion
USA	90%	7%	3%
Iran	15%	59%	22%
Kuwait	11%	89%	-
Lebanon	42%	58%	-
Pakistan	4%	86%	10%
Turkey	46%	43%	11%

Now I would like to mention several actions that might be taken in the war against terrorism, and for each one please tell me whether you think the U.S. should or should not take that action. (Wall Street Journal/NBC News, December 8-10, 2001)

	Should Take Action	Should Not Take Action	Depends (VOL)	Not Sure
Take military action against terrorist cells in other countries, such as the Philippines, Somalia and the Sudan.	64%	23%	6%	7%
Take military action against Iraq and Saddam Hussein if he continues to keep UN inspectors out of Iraq, even if it means that most of our current allies would not join us.	61%	28%	5%	6%
Take military action to overthrow Saddam Hussein, even if it requires using a great number of American ground troops.	57%	31%	6%	6%

From what you know about Islam and its religious teachings, do you think the suicide bombings and other violence by some followers of Islam... (Newsweek, December 6-7, 2001)

Represent a perversion of Islam by extremists (or)	70%
Reflect an important part of Islam's teachings (or)	18%
Don't know	12%

Has the war on terrorism made you think that the United States' relations toward Israel should be closer, more distant, or stay the same? (Wall Street Journal/NBC News)

	11/11/01	10/7/01	9/16/01
Closer	29%	30%	33%
More distant	14%	13%	16%
Stay the same	48%	48%	42%
Not sure	9%	9%	9%

Recently, President Bush said he wants to send a clear signal to PLO Leader Yasser Arafat to end the Palestinian violence against the Israelis. He ha refused to meet with Arafat and has said that Israel cannot be expected to negotiate under the threat of terrorism. What is your reaction to these statements and this policy? Do you... this specific effort by President Bush? (Luntz, 2001 Republican Jewish Coalition Survey, November 2001)

Approve	79%
Oppose	14%
Don't know/Refused	7%

Do you favor or oppose using American military force against terrorist groups that were behind the September 11 attacks? (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Strongly favor	82.3%
Somewhat favor	8.7%
Somewhat oppose	3.1%
Strongly oppose	5%
Don't know/Refused	.9%

What about using American military force against groups in other countries that have committed international terrorist acts, but were NOT behind the September 11 attacks? (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Strongly favor	51.6%
Somewhat favor	25.0%
Somewhat oppose	10.2%
Strongly oppose	9.3%
Don't know/Refused	3.5%

What about working through the UN to strengthen international laws against terrorism and to make sure UN members cooperate in enforcing them? (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Strongly favor	70.6%
Somewhat favor	19.2%
Somewhat oppose	1.6%
Strongly oppose	4.9%
Don't know/Refused	3.6%

What about putting greater pressure on both Israel and the Palestinians to reduce their level of conflict? (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Strongly favor	49.2%
Somewhat favor	25.1%
Somewhat oppose	6.0%
Strongly oppose	12.1%
Don't know/Refused	7.5%

What about making a major effort to be seen as even-handed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Strongly favor	34.2%
Somewhat favor	29.1%
Somewhat oppose	10.6%
Strongly oppose	10.0%
Don't know/Refused	16.0%

How important is it for the war on terrorism to be seen by the world as an effort of many countries working together, not just a US effort? Is it very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important? (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Very important	82.0%
Somewhat important	13.4%
Not too important	1.9%
Not at all important	2.5%
Don't know/Refused	.3%

If Osama Bin Laden were captured, we would need to decide whether he would be tried in a federal court in New York or in an International Criminal Tribunal. Some say it would be better to have Bin Laden tried in an International Criminal Tribunal because it would be more likely that the world would view the trial as impartial and less likely to lead to further terrorist attacks against the US. Others say it would be better to have Bin Laden tried in New York because the crime took place in America and we can be more confident that justice will be done. Do you think it would be better to have bin Laden tried in an International Criminal Tribunal or in New York? (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

International Criminal Tribunal	49.3%
New York	43.9%
Don't know/Refused	6.8%

Please tell me which if the following positions is closer to yours: A. In the current military action in Afghanistan, it would be better if more countries would join with us, because then it would be an international effort, not just an American one. B. In the current military action in Afghanistan, it would be better NOT to get more countries involved, because if we did the operation would get bogged down by having to make decisions together with these other countries. (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Better if more countries join us	73.1%
Better NOT to get other countries	24.1%
Don't know/Refused	2.4%

Which of the following do you think should be the objective of a campaign against terrorist organizations?
A. Limiting the campaign to defeating, capturing, or killing Osama bin Laden and his terrorist network.
B. Broadening the campaign to defeating, capturing, or killing members of major international terrorist organizations, even if they were not involved in this specific attack. (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Limit to Bin Laden and network	27.8%
Broaden to major terror organizations	66.9%
Don't know/Refused	5.3%

Given America's current struggle with terrorism, do you think it is reasonable or not reasonable for the US to expect Israel to make a special effort to reduce its level of conflict with the Palestinians? (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Reasonable	63.9%
Not Reasonable	24.5%
Don't know/Refused	11.6%

Do you favor or oppose sending US troops into Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein's government? (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Favor	60.8%
Oppose	28.5%
Don't know/Refused	7.0%

In the event that the UN has evidence that there is an international terrorist group operating in a country, there are a number of things that the UN Security Council might consider doing. I'm going to read some of these options, and for each one I would like to know if you think this is the kind of thing the UN Security Council should be ABLE to do, or if you think this would make it too powerful. (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

What about requiring the country to allow a UN-sponsored police force to enter the country and conduct investigations?

Should be able	69.8%
Too powerful	25.3%
Don't know/Refused	5.0%

What about requiring the country to freeze the assets of the suspected terrorist group?

Should be able	85.5%
Too powerful	11.7%
Don't know/Refused	2.7%

What about requiring the country to provide intelligence on the suspected terrorist group?

Should be able	88.3%
Too powerful	7.0%
Don't know/Refused	4.7%

What about requiring the country to arrest the suspected terrorist group?

Should be able	86.9%
Too powerful	10.0%
Don't know/Refused	3.0%

What about sending in an international military force to capture the suspected terrorist group, if the country refuses to do so?

Should be able	81.8%
Too powerful	13.2%
Don't know/Refused	5.1%

Please tell me which of the following statements is closer to your own view:
A. Because Islamic religious and social traditions are intolerant and fundamentally incompatible with Western culture, violent conflict is bound to keep happening.
B. Though there are some fanatics in the Islamic world, most people there have needs and wants like those of people everywhere, so it is possible for us to find common ground. ? (Program on International Policy Attitudes, November 1-4, 2001)

Violent conflict	26.0%
Common ground	67.6%
Don't know/Refused	6.5%

Do you think that the United States support of Israel was a major factor in the terrorist attacks against the United States [9/11/01], or do you think the attacks would have happened regardless of the United States support of Israel? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

Major factor	30%
Happened regardless	63%
DK/Refused	7%

Do you believe that after the World Trade Center terrorist attack [9/11/01], if the United States forced Israel to give up territory to Yasser Arafat for a Palestinian state including the dividing of Jerusalem, that it would end terrorism against the United States, or would it encourage terrorism by rewarding those who support terrorism like Arafat? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

End terrorism	10%
Encourage terrorism	62%
DK/Refused	29%

If it is discovered that Saddam Hussein and Iraq were involved in state sponsored terrorism against the United States and Israel, which nation would you prefer to carry out the military missions against Saddam Hussein? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

United States only	23%
Israel only	3%
Both	57%
Neither	10%
DK/Refused	29%

Should the American media, like CNN and major networks give unfiltered access to Osama bin Laden to reach the American public? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

Yes	25%
No	70%
DK/Refused	6%

Do you think the Muslim community around the world is doing all it can to stop terrorist attacks by radical Muslims against the United States? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

Yes	17%
No	71%
DK/Refused	12%

Should Arab-Americans who have publicly or privately supported terrorist groups like Hamas, or Hezbollah, be invited to the White House? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

Yes	7%
No	88%
DK/Refused	6%

If the President succeeds in his plan to defeat Osama bin Laden's terrorist network, do you think that will be the end of major terrorist attacks on the United States, or will they continue? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

End	11%
Continue	83%
DK/Refused	6%

Would you approve or disapprove of Congress launching hearings and an investigation into the intelligence failures of the FBI and the CIA ? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

Approve	68%
Disapprove	26%
DK/Refused	7%

Do you think that if the United States is able to defeat the terrorists in Afghanistan, the United States should continue on to defeat terrorist support in Iraq? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

Yes	80%
No	13%
DK/Refused	8%

Should the United States insist that Russia stop selling military and nuclear technology to Iran and Iraq? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

Yes	89%
No	7%
DK/Refused	4%

Do you or anyone in your household in which you live have a friend, family member or business associate who was killed or injured in the September 11th terror attacks at the World Trade Center or the Pentagon? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

Yes	13%
No	86%
DK/Refused	2%

Would you approve or disapprove of ending immigration and visitor visas for any and all people trying to enter the United States from any country who sponsors terrorism, or has relations with any terrorist linked nations, unless that persons qualifies for political asylum? (New Atlantic Initiative/Chicago Sun Times, Oct. 15, 2001)

Approve	70%
Disapprove	26%
DK/Refused	4%

Now I'm going to read you a list of groups and others and I'd like to know if you think they have done enough to support the United States and oppose terrorism since the attacks on September 11 [2001]. (Newsweek, October 4-5, 2001)

	Done Enough	Failed to do Enough	DK
Muslim leaders in the United States	40%	43%	17%
Moderate Muslim leaders from other countries	25%	58%	17%
Religious leaders in other countries who are not Muslim	38%	42%	20%
The NATO countries in Europe	53%	32%	15%
Saudi Arabia	24%	58%	18%
Israel	38%	43%	19%

In your opinion, how likely is it that more terrorist attacks will be carried out against major U.S. cities, buildings or national landmarks in the near future. Is it...(Newsweek, 2001)

	10/4-5/01	9/27-28/01	9/20-21/01	9/13-14/01
Very likely	39%	33%	41%	43%
Somewhat likely	40%	46%	41%	39%
Not too likely	13%	14%	11%	12%
Not at all likely	4%	4%	4%	3%
Don't know	4%	3%	3%	3%

In your opinion, how soon -- if ever -- should the United States use military force against Osama bin Laden or others linked to the terrorist attacks of September 11 [2001]? Do you think military action... (Newsweek, 2001)

	10/4-5/01	9/27-28/01	9/20-21/01
Should have ALREADY started	24%	18%	17%
Should start within the next few weeks	11%	10%	15%
Should start within the next six months	4%	4%	6%
Should take as long as is necessary to plan something that will work OR	55%	63%	59%
Should NOT be considered at all	2%	2%	1%
Don't know	3%	3%	2%

Now I'm going to read you a list of different things that might have motivated terrorists to attack the United States. As I read each one, please tell me if you think it is a major reason, a minor reason or not a reason why terrorists have targeted the U.S. (Newsweek, 2001)

	10/4-5/01			9/20-21/01
	Major	Minor	Not	Major	Minor	Not
Opposition to U.S. ties to Israel and U.S. policies toward the Palestinian situation	58%	23%	11%	68%	21%	5%
Resentment of the impact of U.S. culture, such as movies and other popular entertainment in Muslim countries	28%	39%	27%	28%	39%	26%
Economic hardships in Muslim countries created by Western capitalism	39%	30%	23%	37%	36%	20%
Opposition to the Gulf War and U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf region	47%	32%	16%	53%	32%	11%
Resentment of U.S. military and economic power in general	62%	24%	10%	64%	22%	9%

Thinking about United States policies in general in the Middle East, should the United States consider changing its policies in the Middle East to try to reduce the violent backlash against the United States or should the United States not consider such changes? (Newsweek, Oct. 4-5, 2001)

Should consider changing policies	46%
Should NOT consider changes	43%
Don't Know/Refused	11%

Please tell me if you agree or disagree with the following statement, or if you have no opinion either way -- "The U.S. should reduce its ties to Israel in order to lessen the acts of terrorism against us." (Newsweek)

	3/21-22/02	10/18-19/01	10/4-5/01	9/13-14/01	7/85/01
Agree	31%	28%	22%	32%	34%
Disagree	53%	52%	61%	50%	48%
No opinion/Don't Know	16%	20%	17%	18%	18%

Do you think that reducing U.S. ties to Israel WOULD reduce the amount of terrorist acts directed against the United States." (Newsweek, Oct. 4-5, 2001)

Yes, would reduce terrorist acts	27%
No, would not	63%
Don't Know	10%

I'd like to find out what you think the impact of the United States endorsing the idea of a Palestinian state would be. First, do you think this would help the United States' effort to build a coalition to fight terrorism, hurt the U.S. effort, or would it not make any difference? (Newsweek, Oct. 4-5, 2001)


Help fight against terrorism	35%
Hurt fight against terrorism	11%
Make no difference	43%
Don't know	11%

Now a few questions about the terrorist attacks (on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, September 11, 2001).)... What's your impression, do you think that many people in the Middle East and other non-western nations believe the United States itself bears some responsibility for the hatred that lead to the terrorist attacks, or don't you think many of them feel this way? (Pew Research Center, September 21-25, 2001)

Yes, many believe United States bears some responsibility	59%
No, don't think many feel this way	27%
Don't know/Refused	14%

When you think about the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon (September 11, 2001), do you place a lot of blame, some blame or no blame at all on United States policies in the Middle East over the years? (CBS/New York Times , September 20-23, 2001)

A lot	14%
Some	54%
No blame at all	30%
Don't know/Refused	7%

Do you feel the U.S. should do whatever is necessary to find and destroy terrorists who threaten serious harm to our citizens or nation, or do you think such actions would be wrong? (International Communications Research, September 14-18, 2001)

Yes, do whatever necessary	92%
No, would be wrong	5%
Don't know/Refused	3%

Do you feel that ISRAEL should do whatever is necessary to find and destroy terrorists who threaten serious harm to ITS citizens or nation, or do you think such actions would be wrong? (International Communications Research, September 14-18, 2001)

Yes, do whatever necessary	84%
No, would be wrong	9%
Don't know/Refused	7%

Have the events of the last week [September 11 terrorist attack on New York/Washington] given you a better understanding of the threat that suicide bombers present in Israel - or do you feel it hasn't changed your perception of Israel's situation? (International Communications Research, September 14-18, 2001)

Yes, better understanding	53%
No, hasn't changed perception	40%
Don't know/Refused	7%

Do you agree or disagree that the U.S. and Israel should cooperate fully in combating terrorism? (International Communications Research, September 14-18, 2001)

Agree	93%
Disagree	4%
Don't know/Refused	4%

Do the events of the last week [September 11 terrorist attack on New York/Washington] say to you that the U.S. should develop closer relations with Israel, that we should begin to distance ourselves from Israel, or there should be no change in our current relationship? (International Communications Research, September 14-18, 2001)

Should develop closer relations with Israel	33%
Should distance ourselves from Israel	10%
No change	43%
Don't know/Refused	13%

Which do you think is the more likely cause of the recent terrorist attacks on the United States -- American support for Israel OR the growing number of Arab terrorist groups and the countries that harbor them? (International Communications Research, September 14-18, 2001)

American support for Israel	19%
Growing number of Arab terrorist groups and the countries that harbor them	66%
Other	6%
Don't know/Refused	9%

Specifically, do you think the terrorist attack (on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington DC) last Tuesday (September 11, 2001) was a direct result of United States' policy in the Middle East or not?(Los Angeles Times, September 13-14, 2001)

Yes	58%
No	23%
Partially (vol)	7%
Don't know	12%

Based on what you've heard and read, over the past few weeks and months, has violence in the Middle East increased significantly, increased somewhat or decreased significantly? (America Middle East Information Network, August 2001)

Increased significantly	48%
Increased somewhat	32%
Stayed the same	7%
Decreased somewhat	4%
Decreased significantly	1%
Don't know/Refused	8%

From what you know of the past few weeks' violence, would you describe the actions of the Palestinians: (America Middle East Information Network, August 2001)

As terrorism	31%
As warfare	24%
As self-defense	11%
As resistance	10%
Don't know/Refused	24%

From what you know of the past few weeks' violence, would you describe the actions of Israel (America Middle East Information Network, August 2001)

As terrorism	13%
As warfare	20%
As self-defense	32%
As resistance	10%
Don't know/Refused	25%

I'm going to read you three different points of view about what Israel could do about bombings and other violent acts by Palestinian Arabs. Please tell me which point of view comes closest to your own. (America Middle East Information Network, August 2001)

Israel should attempt to prevent violent acts before they happen by using force against those responsible for planning and conducting them	36%
Israel should limit its response to the bombings and attacks on its people by increasing protection around the likely targets	32%
Israel should make the concessions the Palestinians demand	15%
Don't Know/Refused	17%

Finally, if Israel has proof that a terrorist is planning a suicide bomb or other act of terrorism that is likely to result in the deaths of Israelis, is Israel definitely justified, probably justified, probably not justified or definitely not justified in attempting to kill that terrorist before that individual kills Israelis? (America Middle East Information Network, August 2001)

Definitely justified	43%
Probably justified	30%
Probably not justified	9%
Definitely not justified	7%
Don't Know/Refused	11%

Finally, if Israel has proof that a terrorist had carried out a terrorist act that killed Israelis and plans to strike again, is Israel definitely justified, probably justified, probably not justified or definitely not justified in attempting to kill that terrorist before that individual kills more Israelis? (America Middle East Information Network, August 2001)

Definitely justified	42%
Probably justified	28%
Probably not justified	11%
Definitely not justified	7%
Don't Know/Refused	12%

*Note numbers may not total 100% due to rounding.

American Public Opinion Polls: Opinion Towards Terrorism