(CPOD) Feb. 17, 2004 - Concerns in the United States over security apparently extend beyond its borders, according to a poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs released by the Associated Press. 52 per cent of respondents believe a terrorist strike at this summer's Olympics in Athens is "likely," with seven per cent considering the possibility of an attack "very likely."

Yesterday, Greek public order minister George Floridis announced that guards will be posted on all buses ferrying athletes during the event, and armed escorts will at all times accompany delegation members from a list of unspecified "higher risk" countries. The Olympics will take place from Aug. 13 to Aug. 29.

The only time that terrorists have disrupted the Games was at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Eight members of militant Palestinian group Black September killed 11 participants of the Israeli delegation.

For this year's 16-day event, Greece has budgeted more than $750 million U.S. for public safety, which will include the deployment of over 50,000 security personnel. The operating budget for the whole event will be higher than $1.65 billion U.S.

Polling Data

How likely do you think it is that a terrorist attack of some sort will take place at the Olympic Games  this summer in Athens?

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