May 18, 2006

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States expect to become embroiled in a new armed conflict, according to a poll by Harris Interactive. 52 per cent of respondents believe a new war involving many American soldiers will likely take place in the next 10 years.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States expect to become embroiled in a new armed conflict, according to a poll by Harris Interactive. 52 per cent of respondents believe a new war involving many American soldiers will likely take place in the next 10 years.

In addition, 49 per cent of respondents expect a major terrorist attack like 9/11, and 45 per cent believe Social Security benefits will be eliminated or very sharply reduced. Only 35 per cent of respondents expect a woman to become president, and 16 per cent predict a stock market crash like the one that took place in 1929.

Al-Qaeda operatives hijacked and crashed four airplanes on Sept. 11, 2001, killing nearly 3,000 people. The war on terrorism was initiated in October 2001 after Afghanistan's Taliban regime refused to hand over al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq was launched in March 2003. At least 2,449 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 17,900 troops have been wounded in action.

Polling Data

How likely do you think each of the following to happen in the next 10 years?
(Very likely or likely listed)

A major new war involving many American soldiers	52%
A major terrorist attack like 9/11 in the U.S.	49%
Social Security benefits will be eliminated or very sharply reduced	45%
A woman becomes president of the U.S.	35%
A stock market crash like 1929	16%

Source: Harris Interactive
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 2,302 American adults, conducted from Mar. 17 to Mar. 21, 2006. Margin of error is 2 per cent.