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American Public Opinion Polls: Opinion Towards Terrorism

(2001 - Present)

Note: We are presenting raw data. When available, we provide some or all of the crosstabs (i.e., breakdowns by various categories such as party ID). To analyze the data, we encourage users to read the entire study and the methodology used. Results and reliability can be affected by such things as sample size, question wording, and question order. Responses may also be influenced by context and timing; for example, if the survey is conducted during a war.


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.