Terrorism

Line graph. Trend in U.S. adults' concern about being a victim of terrorism. In 2021, 36% say they are concerned about being a victim of terrorism. That is down from 46% in 2019, 42% in 2017 and 51% in 2015.

How worried are you that you or someone in your family will become a victim of terrorism -- very worried, somewhat worried, not too worried or not worried at all?

	Very worried	Somewhat worried	Not too worried	Not worried at all	Know a victim (vol.)	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%	%
2021 Aug 2-17	11	25	31	33	--	*
2019 Sep 16-30 ^	15	31	30	22	*	1
2017 Jun 7-11	13	29	29	28	--	*
2015 Dec 8-9	19	32	28	20	--	1
2015 Jun 2-7	15	34	25	24	--	2
2013 Apr 24-25	11	29	33	27	--	*
2011 Aug 11-14	9	27	32	31	*	*
2010 Jan 8-10	9	33	35	22	*	1
2009 Dec 11-13	12	27	34	28	*	*
2008 Sep 5-7 ^	9	29	38	24	--	*
2007 Jul 6-8	13	34	31	21	*	*
2007 Jun 11-14	12	32	33	22	*	*
2006 Aug 18-20	11	34	34	21	*	*
2006 Jan 20-22 ^	14	29	34	23	--	1
2005 Dec 16-18	11	30	37	22	--	*
2005 Jul 22-24	14	33	30	23	*	*
2005 Jun 16-19	8	30	36	26	*	*
2005 Jan 7-9	10	28	37	24	*	1
2004 Dec 17-19	13	28	34	25	*	*
2004 Oct 14-16	13	34	33	20	*	*
2004 Sep 3-5 ^	11	32	36	21	--	*
2004 Aug 9-11 ^	8	26	36	30	--	*
2004 Feb 9-12	10	30	36	24	*	*
2004 Jan 2-5	5	23	42	30	*	*
2003 Dec 5-7	9	28	38	25	*	*
2003 Aug 25-26	11	30	33	26	*	--
2003 Jul 18-20 ^	6	24	38	32	*	*
2003 Apr 22-23 ^	8	26	39	26	*	1
2003 Mar 22-23	8	30	38	24	--	*
2003 Feb 17-19	8	28	33	31	*	--
2003 Feb 7-9 ^	13	35	34	18	*	*
2003 Jan 23-25	8	31	36	25	--	*
2002 Sep 2-4	8	30	37	25	*	*
2002 May 28-29	9	31	37	22	1	*
2002 Apr 22-24	8	27	39	25	1	*
2002 Mar 4-7	12	33	32	23	*	*
2002 Feb 4-6 ^	8	27	39	25	--	1
2001 Nov 26-27	8	27	34	30	1	*
2001 Nov 2-4	11	28	34	26	--	1
2001 Oct 19-21	13	30	33	23	*	1
2001 Oct 11-14	18	33	35	14	*	*
2001 Oct 5-6	24	35	27	14	*	*
2001 Sep 21-22	14	35	32	18	*	1
2001 Sep 14-15	18	33	35	13	*	1
2001 Sep 11	23	35	24	16	1	1
2000 Apr 7-9 ^	4	20	41	34	--	1
1998 Aug 20	10	22	38	29	--	1
1996 Jul 20-21	13	26	34	27	--	*
1996 Apr 9-10	13	22	33	32	--	*
1995 Apr 21-23	14	28	33	24	--	1
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%; (vol.) = Volunteered response
Gallup

Next, I'm going to read a list of problems facing the country. For each one, please tell me if you personally worry about this problem a great deal, a fair amount, only a little or not at all. How much do you personally worry about the possibility of future terrorist attacks in the U.S.?

	Great deal	Fair amount	Only a little	Not at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2024 Mar 1-20	43	23	19	14	*
2023 Mar 1-23	36	25	27	11	--
2022 Mar 1-18	38	27	24	10	*
2021 Mar 1-15	36	27	27	10	*
2020 Mar 2-13	31	30	29	10	*
2019 Mar 1-10	33	27	29	11	*
2018 Mar 1-8	40	28	22	9	1
2017 Mar 1-5	40	26	23	10	*
2016 Mar 2-6	48	23	19	10	*
2015 Mar 5-8	51	24	16	9	*
2014 Mar 6-9 ^	39	24	26	11	--
2013 Mar 7-10	34	29	26	10	1
2012 Mar 8-11	35	30	26	8	*
2011 Mar 3-6	40	29	22	9	*
2010 Mar 4-7	41	29	24	6	*
2008 Mar 6-9	40	33	20	7	*
2007 Mar 11-14	41	32	19	7	*
2006 Mar 13-16	45	31	18	6	*
2005 Mar 7-10	41	27	25	7	*
2004 Mar 8-11	42	28	22	8	*
2003 Mar 24-25	49	30	16	5	*
2002 Mar 4-7	49	26	20	5	*
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Next, I am going to read you a list of possible threats to the vital interests of the United States in the next 10 years. For each one, please tell me if you see this as a critical threat, an important but not critical threat, or not an important threat at all.

	Critical	Important	Not important	No opinion
	%	%	%	%
International terrorism
2024 Feb 1-20	71	23	5	2
2023 Feb 1-23	68	27	5	*
2022 Feb 1-17	71	25	3	1
2021 Feb 3-18	72	24	4	*
2019 Feb 1-10	71	24	5	1
2018 Feb 1-10	75	22	2	1
2016 Feb 3-7	79	18	2	*
2015 Feb 8-11	84	13	2	1
2014 Feb 6-9	77	19	2	1
2013 Feb 7-10	81	17	2	1
2010 Feb 1-3	81	16	2	1
2004 Feb 9-12	82	16	2	*
Cyberterrorism
2024 Feb 1-20	79	18	3	*
2023 Feb 1-23	84	13	2	*
2022 Feb 1-17	82	16	2	*
2021 Feb 3-18	82	16	2	*
2018 Feb 1-10	81	16	3	1
2016 Feb 3-7	73	22	3	1
Domestic terrorism
2022 Feb 1-17	68	28	6	*
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Next, we'd like to know how you feel about the state of the nation in each of the following areas. For each one, please say whether you are -- very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. If you don't have enough information about a particular subject to rate it, just say so. How about -- the nation's security from terrorism?

	Very satisfied	Somewhat satisfied	Somewhat dissatisfied	Very dissatisfied	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2024	18	34	17	27	5
2023	20	35	19	20	6
2022	14	33	22	25	6
2021	18	36	17	20	9
2020	27	41	17	10	5
2019	23	45	17	10	5
2018	16	47	21	12	5
2017	15	35	24	23	2
2016	11	32	23	32	3
2015	17	42	19	17	4
2014	22	47	15	12	4
2013	22	45	16	13	4
2012	23	49	14	10	5
2008	14	44	20	17	4
2007	13	40	26	18	3
2006	16	42	23	16	3
2005	14	44	22	17	3
2004	19	51	16	13	1
2003	11	43	26	17	3
2002	10	41	27	20	2
Gallup

Thinking now about U.S. military action in Afghanistan that began in October 2001, do you think the United States made a mistake in sending military forces to Afghanistan, or not?

	Yes, a mistake	No, not a mistake	No opinion
	%	%	%
2022 Aug 1-23	50	46	3
2021 Sep 1-17	47	50	3
2021 Jul 6-21	47	46	6
2019 Aug 15-30	43	52	5
2015 Jun 2-7	42	54	4
2014 Feb 6-9	49	48	3
2013 Mar 7-10	44	51	5
2011 May 5-8	39	58	3
2011 Mar 25-27	42	53	5
2010 Nov 19-21	39	58	3
2010 Jul 27-Aug 1	43	52	4
2010 Jul 8-11 ^	38	58	4
2009 Nov 20-22	36	60	3
2009 Aug 31-Sep 2	37	61	2
2009 Jul 10-12 ^	36	61	3
2009 Jan 30-Feb 1	30	66	4
2008 Aug 21-23 ^	34	63	3
2008 Jul 25-27	28	68	4
2007 Aug 3-5	25	70	5
2004 Jul 19-21	25	72	3
2002 Jan 7-9	6	93	1
2001 Nov 8-11	9	89	2
2013-2019 WORDING: Looking back, do you think the United States made a mistake sending troops to fight in -- [ROTATED: Afghanistan in 2001 / Iraq in 2003]? ^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Who do you think is currently winning the war against terrorism -- [ROTATED: the U.S. and its allies, neither side or the terrorists]?

	U.S. and its allies	Neither side	The terrorists	No opinion
	%	%	%	%
2021 Aug 2-17	28	49	22	1
2011 Aug 11-14	42	46	9	5
2007 Jun 11-14	29	50	20	2
2006 Aug 18-20	35	44	18	3
2006 Jun 9-11	38	41	16	4
2006 Jan 20-22	41	42	14	3
2005 Aug 28-30 ^	34	42	23	1
2005 Jul 7-10	34	44	21	1
2005 Jun 24-26	36	41	20	3
2005 Jan 7-9	37	42	20	1
2004 Oct 9-10 ^	38	41	19	2
2004 Jul 19-21 ^	40	41	16	3
2004 Jan 12-15 ^	51	35	14	*
2003 Oct 10-12	42	42	13	3
2003 Jul 18-20	48	34	15	3
2003 May 19-21	54	32	11	3
2003 Apr 22-23	65	28	5	2
2003 Mar 3-5 ^	37	43	17	3
2003 Jan 31-Feb 2 ^	35	44	16	5
2002 Dec 5-8 ^	33	46	19	2
2002 Oct 14-17 ^	32	44	21	3
2002 Aug 5-8 ^	37	46	14	3
2002 Jul 5-8	39	43	16	2
2002 Jun 21-23	33	49	14	4
2002 May 28-29	41	35	15	9
2002 Apr 22-24	47	39	10	4
2002 Mar 22-24	51	35	12	2
2002 Mar 4-7	53	34	10	3
2002 Jan 7-9 ^	66	25	7	2
2001 Dec 6-9	64	28	5	3
2001 Nov 8-11 ^	53	33	11	3
2001 Oct 11-14	42	44	11	3
* Less than 0.5%; ^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How much confidence do you have in the U.S. government to protect its citizens from future acts of terrorism -- a great deal, a fair amount, not very much or none at all?

	A great deal	A fair amount	Not very much	None at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2021 Aug 2-17	18	41	30	12	*
2017 Jun 7-11	27	43	23	6	*
2015 Dec 8-9	17	38	29	15	1
2015 Jun 2-7	19	48	26	7	*
2013 Apr 24-25	19	51	21	8	1
2011 Aug 11-14	22	53	18	6	1
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	16	57	23	4	*
2004 Apr 16-18	28	50	15	6	1
2004 Jan 2-5	31	50	15	4	*
2003 Aug 25-26	23	53	19	5	*
2003 Feb 7-9	29	53	14	4	*
2002 Sep 2-4	24	56	16	3	1
2002 Jun 7-8	27	49	17	5	2
2002 May 20-22	22	54	18	5	1
2002 Mar 8-9	24	58	15	2	1
2001 Sep 14-15	41	47	9	2	1
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

As a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, do you think Americans have permanently changed the way they live, or not?

	Yes, changed	No, have not	No opinion
	%	%	%
2021 Aug 2-17 ^	64	36	*
2011 Aug 11-14 ^	58	41	1
2007 Sep 7-8 ^	50	49	2
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	53	46	1
2004 Sep 3-5 ^	52	46	2
2002 Sep 2-4 ^	54	45	1
2002 Mar 8-9 ^	55	44	1
2001 Sep 11	49	45	6
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

As a result of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, have you permanently changed the way you live, or not?

	Yes, changed	No, have not	Too young/Not born (vol.)	No opinion
	%	%	%	%
2021 Aug 2-17	28	70	2	*
2011 Aug 11-14 ^	28	72	--	*
2007 Sep 7-8 ^	29	71	--	*
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	22	78	--	--
2004 Sep 3-5 ^	23	77	--	*
2002 Sep 2-4 ^	18	82	--	*
2002 Mar 8-9 ^	25	75	--	0
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

As a result of the events relating to terrorism in recent years, would you say that now you are less willing to -- [RANDOM ORDER], or not?

	Yes, less willing	No, not	More willing (vol.)	No opinion
	%	%	%	%
Fly on airplanes
2021 Aug 2-17	26	72	1	1
2017 Jun 7-11	32	66	*	2
2011 Jul 15-17 ^	24	72	1	3
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	30	67	1	2
2002 Sep 2-4 ^	33	65	1	1
2002 May 28-29 ^	27	69	1	3
2002 Mar 8-9 ^	33	64	1	2
2001 Sep 14-15	43	56	*	1
Go into skyscrapers
2021 Aug 2-17	27	70	1	2
2017 Jun 7-11	26	71	*	2
2011 Jul 15-17 ^	20	75	2	3
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	22	72	2	4
2002 Sep 2-4 ^	30	67	1	2
2002 May 28-29 ^	27	68	1	4
2002 Mar 8-9 ^	27	70	1	2
2001 Sep 14-15	35	63	*	2
Attend events where there are thousands of people
2021 Aug 2-17	37	60	2	1
2017 Jun 7-11	38	60	1	1
2011 Jul 15-17 ^	27	68	2	2
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	23	72	2	3
2002 Sep 2-4 ^	29	70	*	1
2002 Mar 8-9 ^	32	66	1	1
2001 Sep 14-15	30	69	*	1
Travel overseas
2021 Aug 2-17	36	62	1	1
2017 Jun 7-11	46	52	1	1
2011 Jul 15-17 ^	38	57	2	4
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	47	50	1	3
2002 Sep 2-4 ^	47	50	*	3
2002 May 28-29 ^	43	52	1	4
2002 Mar 8-9 ^	45	52	1	2
2001 Sep 14-15	48	48	1	3
* Less than 0.5%; (vol.)=volunteered response; 2002-2011 WORDING: As a result of events that occurred on Sept. 11, would you say that now you are less willing to [RANDOM ORDER], or not?
Gallup

Do you think the war with Afghanistan has made the U.S. safer -- or less safe -- from terrorism?

	Safer	Less safe	No change (vol.)	No opinion
	%	%	%	%
2019 Aug 15-30	39	51	7	4
Asked in rotation with Iraq War; (vol.) = volunteered response
Gallup

How likely is it that there will be further acts of terrorism in the United States over the next several weeks -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely or not at all likely?

	Very likely	Somewhat likely	Not too likely	Not at all likely	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2017 Jun 7-11	17	43	29	11	1
2015 Dec 8-9	31	36	22	7	5
2015 Jun 2-7	14	31	38	16	2
2013 Apr 24-25	12	39	34	12	4
2011 Aug 11-14	7	31	42	18	1
2011 May 2	17	45	27	8	3
2009 Nov 20-22	10	29	36	21	3
2007 Jul 6-8	10	37	40	11	2
2007 Jun 11-14	9	31	41	16	2
2006 Aug 18-20	9	41	38	10	2
2006 Jul 21-23	10	36	42	10	2
2006 Jan 20-22 ^	14	35	38	11	2
2005 Jul 22-24	12	45	32	10	1
2005 Jul 7-10	12	43	35	9	1
2005 Jun 16-19	4	31	45	18	2
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	8	31	44	15	2
2004 Dec 17-19 ^	10	38	39	12	1
2004 Jul 19-21 ^	12	39	34	11	4
2004 Jan 9-11 ^	7	39	36	16	2
2003 Aug 25-26 ^	10	44	35	10	1
2003 Jul 18-20 ^	7	33	41	16	3
2003 May 19-21	12	45	32	8	3
2003 Mar 22-23	21	52	20	6	1
2003 Feb 7-9 ^	16	50	23	9	2
2002 Sep 13-16 ^	12	44	31	10	3
2002 Sep 2-4	12	48	28	9	3
2002 Jul 5-8 ^	15	41	30	12	2
2002 May 20-22 ^	21	44	25	7	3
2002 Mar 8-9 ^	9	43	32	13	3
2001 Dec 14-16 ^	17	45	27	8	3
2001 Nov 2-4 ^	24	50	16	6	4
2001 Oct 19-21 ^	40	45	10	3	2
2001 Oct 7	41	42	9	4	4
2001 Sep 21-22	22	44	24	8	2
^ Asked of a half sample;
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- overhaul the federal visa waiver program to provide tighter screening for people who come to the U.S. temporarily for travel or business?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	46	33	11	9	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- increasing U.S. airstrikes against the Islamic State or ISIS to take out their leaders, heavy weapons and infrastructure?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	44	35	11	7	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- banning gun sales to people on the federal no-fly watch list?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	42	29	9	16	4
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- send more U.S. special operations forces to fight the Islamic state or ISIS?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	38	32	14	14	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- pass new laws making it harder to buy assault weapons?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	34	21	14	30	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- sending large numbers of U.S. ground troops to Syria and Iraq to fight the Islamic state or ISIS?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	26	33	22	17	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- intensify diplomatic efforts to pursue ceasefires and a political resolution to the Syrian war?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	25	32	20	19	5
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- a new law that would prevent any Muslim from entering the U.S.?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	22	16	18	42	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- provide more U.S. training and equipment to Iraqi and Syrian forces fighting the Islamic state or ISIS?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	18	37	23	18	4
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- requiring Muslims, including those who are U.S. citizens, to carry a special ID?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	16	16	20	46	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

How effective do you think each of the following will be in the U.S. campaign against terrorism -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not at all effective? How about -- a new law that would impose a religious test for entering the U.S., banning those who identify their religion as Muslim?

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not at all effective	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2015 Dec 11-12 ^	15	14	16	52	3
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Would you favor or oppose the United States sending ground troops to Iraq and Syria in order to assist groups in those countries that are fighting the Islamic militants?

	Favor	Oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
2015 Nov 4-8	43	53	4
2014 Sep 20-21 ^	40	54	6
^ Asked on 优蜜传媒Daily tracking survey
Gallup

Which comes closer to your view -- [ROTATED: the government should take all steps necessary to prevent additional acts of terrorism in the U.S. even if it means your basic civil liberties would be violated, (or) the government should take steps to prevent additional acts of terrorism but not if those steps would violate your basic civil liberties]?

	Take all steps, even if liberties violated	Take steps but not violate liberties	No opinion
	%	%	%
2015 Jun 2-7	30	65	5
2011 Aug 11-14	25	71	4
2005 Dec 16-18 ^	31	65	4
2003 Nov 10-12 ^	31	64	5
2003 Aug 25-26 ^	29	67	4
2003 Apr 22-23	33	64	3
2002 Sep 2-4 ^	33	62	5
2002 Jun 21-23	40	56	4
2002 Jan 25-27	47	49	4
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

From what you know or have read about them, do you think the government's programs designed to prevent additional acts of terrorism violate your civil liberties, or not?

	Yes, violate civil liberties	No, do not	No opinion
	%	%	%
2015 Jun 2-7	41	55	5
Gallup

As you may know, since 2001, the United States has held people from other countries who are suspected of being terrorists in a prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. Do you think the United States should -- or should not -- close this prison and move some of the prisoners to U.S. prisons?

	Yes, should close	No, should not	No opinion
	%	%	%
2014 Jun 5-8	29	66	5
2009 Nov 20-22	30	64	5
2009 May 29-31	32	65	3
2007 Jul 6-8 ^	33	53	13
^ WORDING: Do you think the United States should -- or should not -- close the prison at the Guantanamo Bay military base in Cuba?
Gallup

Which is more important for the U.S. to consider when Americans are held captive by terrorist groups -- [ROTATED: assuring the safe release of the American prisoners, even if it means working out some compromise on terrorist demands, (or) discouraging future prisoner-taking by refusing to deal with terrorist demands, even if that risks the lives of the American prisoners]?

	Assuring safe release of prisoners	Refusing to meet terrorist demands	No opinion
	%	%	%
2014 Jun 5-8	43	44	13
1985 Jun 20-21 ^	47	42	10
^ WORDING: Which is more important -- Assuring the safe release of the American hostages, even if it means working out some compromise on terrorist demands; OR discouraging future hostage-taking by refusing to deal with terrorist demands, even if that risks the lives of the American hostages?
Gallup

Which comes closer to your view -- [ROTATED: the terrorists will always find a way to launch major attacks no matter what the U.S. government does, (or) the U.S. government can eventually prevent all major attacks if it works hard enough at it]?

	Always find a way	Government can prevent	No opinion
	%	%	%
2011 Aug 11-14	59	37	4
2002 Sep 2-4	60	37	3
Gallup

Do you think the Muslim world considers itself at war with the U.S., or not?

	Yes, at war	No, not at war	No opinion
	%	%	%
2011 Aug 11-14	55	38	7
2002 Sep 2-4	60	33	7
2002 Mar 1-3	71	26	3
Gallup

When it comes to protecting Americans from acts of terrorism, in your view, how much progress has the U.S. government made since the September 11th, 2001, terror attacks -- a great deal, a fair amount, not much or none at all?

	Great deal	Fair amount	Not much	None at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2010 Jan 8-10	21	53	22	4	*
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Some people have suggested that airline passengers who fit the profile of terrorists based on their age, ethnicity or gender should be subjected to special, more intensive security checks before boarding U.S. flights. Do you favor or oppose this practice?

	Favor	Oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
2010 Jan 8-10	71	27	2
Gallup

How satisfied are you with the way things are going for the U.S. in the war on terrorism -- very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, not too satisfied or not at all satisfied?

	Very satisfied	Somewhat satisfied	Not too satisfied	Not satisfied at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2008 Sep 5-7 ^	11	41	23	24	1
2005 Aug 28-30 ^	13	38	20	29	*
2005 Jun 16-19	10	42	23	24	1
2005 Feb 4-6	19	45	21	14	1
2004 Oct 9-10 ^	16	37	21	26	*
2004 Sep 3-5 ^	16	43	22	18	1
2004 Aug 9-11 ^	14	42	24	19	1
2004 Jul 19-21 ^	15	40	21	23	1
2003 Sep 8-10	14	52	21	12	1
2003 Jan 31-Feb 2 ^	18	45	21	15	1
2002 Sep 2-4	14	61	18	6	1
* Less than 0.5%; ^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Do you think it is likely -- or not likely -- that terrorists will -- [RANDOM ORDER] -- in the U.S. within the next five years?

	Yes, likely	No, not likely	No opinion
	%	%	%
Shoot down an airplane with a shoulder-fired missile
2006 Aug 18-20	45	51	4
2003 Nov 14-16	53	45	2
Smuggle explosives onto an airplane
2006 Aug 18-20	66	31	2
Set off a suicide bomb in a crowded location
2006 Aug 18-20	82	17	1
Crash a hijacked airplane into a building
2006 Aug 18-20	37	60	4
Set off a bomb that contains nuclear or biological material
2006 Aug 18-20	47	49	4
Gallup

In the past year, have you and your family discussed plans for how you would respond to a terrorist attack in your local community, or have you not talked about this?

	Yes, have	No, have not	No opinion
	%	%	%
2006 Aug 18-20	27	73	*
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Would you say the new security measures at airports around the country since the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks have been an effective part of the government's overall strategy to prevent terrorism, or not?

	Yes, effective	No, not effective	No opinion
	%	%	%
2006 Aug 18-20	77	21	2
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Next, please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States. How about -- requiring Arabs, including those who are U.S. citizens, to undergo special, more intensive security checks before boarding airplanes in the U.S.?

	Favor	Oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	53	45	2
2005 Jul 22-24 ^	53	46	1
2001 Sep 14-15	58	41	1
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Next, please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States. How about -- banning airline passengers from carrying on board any luggage including purses, computers, and briefcases ?

	Favor	Oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	41	57	3
2001 Sep 14-15	51	47	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Next, please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States. How about -- requiring Arabs, including those who are U.S. citizens, to carry a special ID?

	Favor	Oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jul 22-24 ^	46	53	1
2001 Sep 14-15	49	49	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Next, please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States. How about -- requiring every person going into an office building or public place to show ID?

	Favor	Oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jul 22-24 ^	70	30	*
2001 Sep 14-15	77	22	1
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Next, please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States. How about -- requiring every person going into an office building or public place to go through a metal detector?

	Favor	Oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jul 22-24 ^	81	18	1
2001 Sep 14-15	86	13	1
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Next, please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States. How about -- allowing police to stop people on the street at random to search their possessions?

	Favor	Oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jul 22-24 ^	29	70	1
2001 Sep 14-15	29	69	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Next, please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States. How about -- making it easier for legal authorities to read mail, email, or tap phones without the person's knowledge?

	Favor	Oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jul 22-24 ^	25	73	2
2001 Sep 14-15	33	65	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Next, please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States. How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

	Favor	Oppose	No opinion
	%	%	%
Requiring mass transit systems like subways, buses, and trains to institute security systems similar to what is found in airports	78	20	2
Requiring all Americans to carry a national ID card	66	33	1
Allowing police to stop people on the street at random and ask them to show their ID	48	51	1
Allowing the government to search a list of books people have checked out of the library	37	60	3
Allowing the government to imprison U.S. citizens who are suspected of terrorism without putting them on trial for years	21	75	4
Allowing police to enter a person's home at any time without a search warrant	6	93	1
2005 Jul 22-24; Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Next, please tell me how effective each of the following security procedures would be as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not effective at all? Requiring Arabs, including those who are U.S. citizens, to undergo special, more intensive security checks before boarding airplanes in the U.S.

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not effective at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	37	33	16	11	3
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Next, please tell me how effective each of the following security procedures would be as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not effective at all? Banning airline passengers from carrying on board any luggage including purses, computers, and briefcases.

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not effective at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	32	35	16	14	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Next, please tell me how effective each of the following security procedures would be as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not effective at all? Running all checked luggage through metal detectors and other screening devices.

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not effective at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	66	28	5	2	*
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Next, please tell me how effective each of the following security procedures would be as a means of preventing terrorist attacks in the United States -- very effective, somewhat effective, not too effective or not effective at all? Conducting much stricter background checks for airport workers.

	Very effective	Somewhat effective	Not too effective	Not effective at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2006 Aug 18-20 ^	67	25	5	1	1
^ Asked of a half sample.
Gallup

As you may know, new security requirements were put in place at U.S. airports after a terrorist plot was recently uncovered in London. Airline passengers are now prohibited from carrying most liquids or gels onto airplanes. Do you think this new requirement is an appropriate response, or does it go too far?

	Appropriate response	Goes too far	No opinion
	%	%	%
2006 Aug 18-20	70	29	1
Gallup

Suppose you were taking a flight and had to submit to various security checks before boarding the airplane. Regardless of whether you think it is necessary, would you, personally, find each of the following to be annoying, or not? How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

	Yes	No	No opinion
	%	%	%
Disposing of any liquids or gels or putting them in checked baggage
2006 Aug 18-20	23	76	*
Removing your shoes or belt
2006 Aug 18-20	25	74	1
Having a security agent touch you/your cloting as part of a search
2006 Aug 18-20	36	64	*
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Suppose you had to take a trip that people usually take by plane. In order to avoid the hassles associated with air travel these days, would you seriously consider using an alternative means of transportation, such as car, bus, or train, or would you probably fly?

	Would consider alternative means	Would probably fly	No opinion
	%	%	%
2006 Aug 18-20	46	53	1
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Do you think the federal government is -- [ROTATED: doing too much, doing the right amount, or not doing enough] -- to prevent acts of terrorism on ... ?

	Too much	Right amount	Not enough	No opinion
	%	%	%	%
Mass transit systems, such as subways, buses and trains
2005 Jul 22-24	2	39	53	6
Airplanes
2005 Jul 22-24	5	57	35	3
Gallup

How likely is it that there will be further acts of terrorism in YOUR COMMUNITY over the next several weeks -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely or not at all likely?

	Very likely	Somewhat likely	Not too likely	Not at all likely	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	2	8	38	52	*
2004 Jan 9-11	3	8	36	51	2
2003 Aug 25-26	4	10	34	51	1
2002 Jul 5-8	4	13	34	48	1
2002 Mar 8-9	2	10	35	52	1
2001 Nov 2-4	3	20	41	32	4
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Would you be willing -- or not willing -- to have the U.S. government do each of the following, if the government thought it were necessary to combat terrorism? How about -- assassinate known terrorists?

	Willing	Not willing	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	65	33	2
2001 Oct 5-6 ^	77	20	3
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Would you be willing -- or not willing -- to have the U.S. government do each of the following, if the government thought it were necessary to combat terrorism? How about -- assassinate leaders of countries that harbor terrorists?

	Willing	Not willing	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	37	59	4
2001 Oct 5-6 ^	52	45	3
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Would you be willing -- or not willing -- to have the U.S. government do each of the following, if the government thought it were necessary to combat terrorism? How about -- torture known terrorists if they know details about future terrorist attacks in the U.S.?

	Willing	Not willing	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	39	59	2
2001 Oct 5-6 ^	45	53	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Would you be willing -- or not willing -- to have the U.S. government do each of the following, if the government thought it were necessary to combat terrorism? How about -- use nuclear weapons to attack terrorist facilities?

	Willing	Not willing	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	27	72	1
2001 Oct 5-6 ^	34	64	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Here is a list of possible interrogation techniques that can be used on prisoners. Do you think it is right or wrong for the U.S. government to use them on prisoners suspected of having information about possible terrorist attacks against the United States? How about -- forcing prisoners to remain naked and chained in uncomfortable positions in cold rooms for several hours?

	Right	Wrong	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	18	79	3
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Here is a list of possible interrogation techniques that can be used on prisoners. Do you think it is right or wrong for the U.S. government to use them on prisoners suspected of having information about possible terrorist attacks against the United States? How about -- having female interrogators make physical contact with Muslim men during religious observances that prohibit such contact?

	Right	Wrong	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	12	85	3
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Here is a list of possible interrogation techniques that can be used on prisoners. Do you think it is right or wrong for the U.S. government to use them on prisoners suspected of having information about possible terrorist attacks against the United States? How about -- threatening to transfer prisoners to a country known for using torture?

	Right	Wrong	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	35	62	3
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Here is a list of possible interrogation techniques that can be used on prisoners. Do you think it is right or wrong for the U.S. government to use them on prisoners suspected of having information about possible terrorist attacks against the United States? How about -- threatening prisoners with dogs?

	Right	Wrong	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	29	69	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Here is a list of possible interrogation techniques that can be used on prisoners. Do you think it is right or wrong for the U.S. government to use them on prisoners suspected of having information about possible terrorist attacks against the United States? How about -- strapping prisoners on boards and forcing their heads underwater until they think they are drowning?

	Right	Wrong	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	16	82	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Here is a list of possible interrogation techniques that can be used on prisoners. Do you think it is right or wrong for the U.S. government to use them on prisoners suspected of having information about possible terrorist attacks against the United States? How about -- depriving prisoners of sleep for several days?

	Right	Wrong	No opinion
	%	%	%
2005 Jan 7-9 ^	49	48	2
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Generally speaking, do you think that things in the country are -- [ROTATED: completely back to normal, somewhat back to normal, but not completely, or not yet back to normal]?

	Completely back to normal	Somewhat back to normal	Not back to normal	No opinion
	%	%	%	%
2004 Aug 23-25	4	47	48	1
2003 Aug 25-26 ^	3	56	41	*
2002 Mar 8-9	3	62	34	1
^ Asked of a half sample; * Less than 0.5%
Gallup

Which comes closer to your view about where terrorists would be likely to target an attack against the United States -- [ROTATED: only in New York City and other big U.S. cities, (or) any place in the U.S.]?

	Only big cities	Anywhere in U.S.	No opinion
	%	%	%
2004 Aug 23-25	31	67	2
Gallup

Do you think there was enough information available so that the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, could have been prevented, or not?

	Yes, was	No, was not	No opinion
	%	%	%
2004 Jun 21-23	33	59	8
2002 May 20-22	25	63	12
Gallup

Overall, how much do you blame each of the following for the September 11th terrorist attacks -- a great deal, a moderate amount, only a little or not at all? How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

	Great deal	Moderate amount	Only a little	Not at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
The Bush administration
2004 Jun 21-23	17	25	23	34	1
2002 Jun 7-8	9	23	26	40	2
2002 May 16	7	22	26	43	2
2001 Sep 14-15 ^	9	25	20	44	2
The Clinton administration
2004 Jun 21-23	13	27	24	34	2
2001 Sep 14-15 ^	16	29	18	34	3
^ Asked of a half sample
Gallup

Overall, how much do you blame the [Bush / Clinton] administration for not taking the warnings about the al-Qaeda terrorist network seriously enough before the September 11th terrorist attacks -- a great deal, a moderate amount, only a little or not at all?

	Great deal	Moderate amount	Only a little	Not at all	No opinion
	%	%	%	%	%
The Bush administration
2004 Apr 16-18	24	29	23	23	1
The Clinton administration
2004 Apr 16-18	28	32	21	17	2
Gallup

Based on the information available to the Bush administration before the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, do you think the Bush administration did -- or did not -- do all that could be expected to prevent the terrorist attacks?

	Yes, did	No, did not	No opinion
	%	%	%
2004 Mar 26-28	42	54	4
Gallup

Based on the information available to the Clinton administration in the 1990s, do you think the Clinton administration did -- or did not -- do all that could be expected to prevent terrorist attacks?

	Yes, did	No, did not	No opinion
	%	%	%
2004 Mar 26-28	32	62	6
Gallup

Do you think the Bush administration should have been able to prevent the terrorist attacks on September 11th, or not?

	Yes, did	No, did not	No opinion
	%	%	%
2004 Mar 26-28	27	67	6
Gallup

Next I am going to read a list of things some people have done in order to prepare for a terrorist attack. For each one, please say if this is something you currently have or do not have. How about -- [RANDOM ORDER]?

	Have	Do not have	No opinion
	%	%	%
A stockpile of food and water in your home
2004 Mar 26-28	41	59	*
2003 Feb 24-26	60	40	*
Designated contact person outside your area
2004 Mar 26-28	38	61	1
2003 Feb 24-26	46	53	1
Interior room in house designated a "safe room"
2004 Mar 26-28	24	76	*
2003 Feb 24-26	38	61	1
* Less than 0.5%
Gallup

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