October 29, 2006

Abstract: - Many adults in the United States are opposed to the way their federal government is fighting terrorism, according to a poll by Knowledge Networks for the Program on International Policy Attitudes. 67 per cent of respondents think the current administration should put more emphasis on diplomatic and economic methods.

- Many adults in the United States are opposed to the way their federal government is fighting terrorism, according to a poll by Knowledge Networks for the Program on International Policy Attitudes. 67 per cent of respondents think the current administration should put more emphasis on diplomatic and economic methods.

In addition, 65 per cent of respondents think the federal government is too quick to get American military forces involved in its dealings with foreign countries and its handling of international problems.

In his January 2005 inauguration speech, U.S. president George W. Bush said, "It is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world."

On Oct. 26, Bush discussed the war on terrorism, saying, "There is a difference of opinion, and our voters (...) must understand that the Democrats have a different view about this war on terror, a view that I think makes America less secure and makes it harder for us to do our job to protect the American people. (...) This war on terror is on many fronts. And the central front right now is in Iraq."

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 was launched in March 2003. At least 2,810 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 21,200 troops have been wounded in action.

Polling Data

In the effort to fight terrorism, do you think that in the future, compared with what it has been doing, the Bush administration:

Should put more emphasis on military methods	28%
Should put more emphasis on diplomatic and economic methods	67%
Has the balance about right	2%
No answer	3%

In its dealings with foreign countries and its handling of international problems, do you think the Bush administration:

Tries hard enough to reach diplomatic solutions	32%
Is too quick to get American military forces involved	65%
No answer	3%

Source: Knowledge Networks / Program on International Policy Attitudes
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,058 American adults, conducted from Oct. 6 to Oct. 15, 2006. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

Complete Poll (PDF)

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