Public Agenda Special Edition: Terrorism

Introduction

Overview

Public Opinion

Sources and Resources

Perspectives

Fact File

Other Issues

U.S. Promises Evidence on Bin Laden, Freezes Assets
Updated Sept. 24, 2001

The Bush administration continues to lay groundwork for its "war on terrorism" Monday, freezing assets of suspected terrorists and promising to present evidence implicating Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda organization. Afghanistan's Taliban regime have refused to turn over bin Laden without more evidence, and now says it can't find him. The Taliban have threatened a holy war if the U.S. uses force. The toll of dead and missing from the September 11 attacks has risen to more than 6,400, with most of the casualities still missing in the wreckage of the World Trade Center.

Public Agenda has been analyzing survey results from all the major polling organizations since the attacks. Clearly, Americans' grief is profound and their resolve is real. Yet for those very reasons, policymakers should be careful when considering survey results involving specific proposals. When 70 percent of those surveyed by Gallup admit to weeping over the attacks, survey results must be seen in context, shaped by sorrow, shock and anger.

Striking Back: A massive 88 percent of Americans say the U.S. should take military action against those responsible, and yet 73 percent of those favoring an attack are also willing to wait until the specific culprits are identified. At this point, none of the potential drawbacks deter the public, with two-thirds or more of the public in favor even in the event of a lengthy military action, a recession, or further terror attacks. The CBS/New York Times poll found 60 percent favoring a strike even if it caused "many thousands of civilian casualties."

But surveys also suggest some doubts about the effectiveness of a military response. When Newsweek researchers asked what would be "most effective" in preventing terrorist attacks, most people opt to play defense: three-quarters said tighter airport security and air marshals would be the most effective strategies, compared with 49 percent for military strikes and 44 percent for assassinating terrorist leaders.

Arab-Americans and Islam: In his speech last week, President Bush again denounced religious prejudice against Muslims. There have been reports of hate crimes around the country against Arabs, Muslims and Sikhs (who are neither Arabs nor Muslims, but whose traditional turbans have made them a target). Survey results over many years indicate that most Americans believe in tolerance, but at the moment are still wrestling with deep fear and frustration.

In two recent Public Agenda surveys, one on religion and public life and another on the values parents want to teach their children, we found Americans voiced a firm belief in religious and social tolerance. Most parents, for example, consider intolerance the mark of a bad citizen. Yet we also found that only 7 percent of Americans say they understand Islam well - perhaps not surprising since Muslims only make up 2 percent of the U.S. population.

About 35 percent of those surveyed last week said they had less trust in Arab-Americans since the attack - far from a majority, but potentially more than enough to cause trouble. Several questions show the public's fear and frustration, with 58 percent saying Arabs should undergo special security checks before boarding planes and 49 percent saying they should carry special identification. Yet other polls suggest this may be a surface reaction. A Newsweek question that specifically mentioned the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II found 62 percent who said it would be a mistake to target any national group. A Pew Research Center survey found 57 percent who oppose the idea of internment camps to round up immigrants from "hostile nations."

When deeply held values are tested by terrifying events, Public Agenda has found it takes time for people to work through their views (see our essay on the Seven Stages of Public Opinion.) People's knee-jerk reactions on Arabs and Muslims may well be tempered by time, sober second thoughts and by their better selves.

Immigration and Surveillance: The Bush administration has already waived rules on detaining immigrants, allowing legal immigrants suspected of terrorist activities to essentially be held indefinitely. The administration has also proposed expanded wiretapping and Internet surveillance.

In surveys, the public's strongest instincts are for tangible actions, such as metal detectors in public buildings and tighter airport security. Only a third want increased electronic eavesdropping and even fewer support random searches by police. Public Agenda's research has found that people usually support civil liberties in the abstract, but don't spend much time thinking about the specifics. The public also has relatively little knowledge of the technical issues and debates surrounding the Internet, such as the debate over encryption technology. (See our Red Flags section on Internet Free Speech and Privacy).

The public has mixed views on immigration in general, but usually makes a clear distinction between legal and illegal immigrants - with a far tougher stance on illegal immigrants. (See our Red Flags on Immigration).

A Grieving Nation: Americans continue to be drawn to and touched by the unfolding tragedy. Twenty percent of the public told the Pew Research Center that either they or their family and friends know someone among the dead, missing or injured. About 71 percent said they have felt depressed, and a third say they've had trouble sleeping. Public attention to the news continues at record levels, with the ABC/Washington Post survey reporting 79 percent of Americans watched Bush's speech on Thursday. Pew found that 63 percent said they "can't stop watching" news about the attacks. There's also a strong public desire to take some personal action. Gallup found 82 percent either are displaying or plan to display the U.S. flag to show their support and sympathy. A Fox News survey reports that 63 percent say they have donated money or clothing, and 10 percent say they've donated blood.

Public Agenda, based in New York, joins with all Americans in expressing our deepest sympathy to the victims and their families.

These resources may be helpful in finding out more information:

Terrorism Research Center: comprehensive site with analysis, profiles and links
U.S. State Department
Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Bureau of Investigation
List of tallest buildings in U.S.
World's famous skyscrapers