July 31, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) Jul. 31, 2003 - Islam continues to be a controversial topic for Americans, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and Press. 44 per cent of respondents believe the Muslim religion encourages violence, a 19 per cent increase since March 2002.

(CPOD) Jul. 31, 2003 - Islam continues to be a controversial topic for Americans, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and Press. 44 per cent of respondents believe the Muslim religion encourages violence, a 19 per cent increase since March 2002.

Public opinion towards Islam in the United States has been influenced by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as well as the recent military campaign in Iraq. 24 per cent of respondents say most Muslims are anti-American.

Polling Data

Do you think Islam encourages violence?

	Mar. 2002	Jul. 2003
Yes	25%	44%
No	51%	41%

Do you think Muslims are anti-American?

	Mar. 2002	Jul. 2003
All / Most are	18%	24%
About half of them are	18%	25%
Some of them are	24%	24%
Just a few of them are	21%	15%

Source: Pew Research Center for the People and Press
Methodology: Interviews to 2,002 American adults, conducted from Jun. 24 to Jul. 8, 2003. Margin of error is 2.5 per cent.