August 01, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in the United States are overwhelmingly in favour of one of their government's defence proposals, according to a poll by Opinion Research Corporation for the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. 84 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should have a missile defence system with the ability to protect the country from an attack by missiles that might contain weapo

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in the United States are overwhelmingly in favour of one of their government's defence proposals, according to a poll by Opinion Research Corporation for the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance. 84 per cent of respondents think the U.S. should have a missile defence system with the ability to protect the country from an attack by missiles that might contain weapons of mass destruction.

In December 2002, U.S. president George W. Bush announced plans for the development of initial defence capabilities, which include ground-based and sea-based missile interceptors, as well as sensors located in space. Washington has explained the project as a means to defend the U.S. and its European allies from a potential attack by Iran or North Korea.

In January, the U.S. issued a formal request to place a radar base in the Czech Republic—in a military area southwest of Prague—as well as 10 interceptor missiles in Poland.

Last month, the House Appropriations Committee reduced the funding for preparatory work on the missile defence system from $310 million U.S. to $171 million U.S. In its accompanying report, the committee stated: "It is premature to provide full funding for the European component, given the uncertainty surrounding the programme."

Polling Data

Do you think the United States should or should not have a missile defence system with the ability to protect the United States from an attack by missiles that might contain weapons of mass destruction?

Should, strongly	69%
Should, not so strongly	15%
Should not, not so strongly	5%
Should not, strongly	9%
Don't know / Unsure	3%

Source: Opinion Research Corporation / Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,023 American adults, conducted from Jul. 19 to Jul. 22, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.