(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many Britons believe their country could remain a terrorism target, according to a six-country poll by Harris Interactive published in the Financial Times. 52 per cent of respondents in Britain expect a major attack to take place in the next 12 months.

Spain is second on the list with 32 per cent, followed by the United States with 30 per cent, Germany with 18 per cent, Italy with 16 per cent, and France with 15 per cent.

The U.S., Spain and Britain have suffered major terrorist attacks over the past seven years. Al-Qaeda operatives hijacked and crashed four airplanes in the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001, killing nearly 3,000 people.

On Mar. 11, 2004, a series of explosions in one of Madrid's main railway stations, as well as three commuter trains, killed 191 people. A group allegedly linked to al-Qaeda claimed responsibility, saying the attacks were prepared in retaliation for Spain's support of the U.S.-led coalition effort in Iraq.

In July 2005, four blasts in London killed at least 53 people and injured 700 more. Investigators say three British nationals of Pakistani descent and a Jamaican-born man were responsible for the explosions at three underground stations and a double-decker bus. Authorities believe the event was a coordinated suicide bombing, the first to ever occur in Western Europe.

In late June and early July this year, two attempted car bombings were reported in London, and a car—filled with gas cylinders and fuel—crashed into the doors of Scotland's Glasgow Airport in another apparent attack. Six people have been arrested in connection with the incidents, which according to British investigators, are related.

In July, U.S. Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) chief Michael Maples told American lawmakers that he has reasons to believe al-Qaeda "retains the ability to organize complex, mass-casualty attacks and inspire others," adding, "Al-Qaeda has consistently recovered from losses of senior leadership."

Polling Data

Do you expect a major terrorist attack to happen in your country in the next 12 months?

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