CBS News/New York Times Poll For release: Thursday September 8, 2011 6:30 PM EDT

Assessing Security and the Threat of Terrorism Ten Years Later August, 2011 This CBS News/New York Times Poll measures the publics attitudes toward security and terrorism ten years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The poll includes interviews with Americans overall, residents of New York City, and those who report a close friend or family member was killed in the attacks on 9/11. More than 4 in 5 Americans think the country will always have to live with the threat of terrorism. Expectations for another attack are low now; 55% think one is not likely in the next few months. Just after 9/11, 53% thought another attack was very likely. Americans are divided as to whether the government has done all it can to secure the country from terrorism; 46% think it has, while 48% think it has not. 54% think the government is prepared to deal with another attack. Two thirds of Americans say the death of Osama bin Laden has not made them feel safer from terrorism. And for most close friends and family of 9/11 victims, his death has not brought closure. One in four Americans admits to negative feelings for Muslims as a result of the attacks.

The Terrorist Threat Ten years after the September 11th attacks, terrorism has become something most Americans expect to have to live with. A large majority of Americans 83% - feel they will always have to live with the risk of terrorism. Eight in ten New Yorkers also think their city will always have to live with the threat. Will Americans/New Yorkers Always Have to Live With Threat of Terrorism? Americans New Yorkers Yes 83% 79% No 15 19 At the same time, Americans have become complacent in the past ten years about another attack; 55% think one is not likely in the next few months. Fears were much higher just after 9/11, and have risen at times over the last ten years. Likelihood of Terror Attack in U.S. in Next Few Months ---------------------- Americans ----------------------Now 1/2010 8/2006 3/2003 10/2001 9/2001 Very likely 9% 26% 16% 24% 53% 36% Somewhat likely 33 40 43 47 35 42 Not very/at all likely 55 30 39 27 10 20

Americans who were close to someone who was killed on 9/11 are more likely than Americans overall to think a terrorist attack is likely in the United States within the next few months. Slightly more than half think this is at least somewhat likely (51%), while most Americans and most New Yorkers do not. Likelihood of Terror Attack in U.S. in Next Few Months Friends/ Americans New Yorkers Families Very likely 9% 11% 13% Somewhat likely 33 27 38 Not very/not at all likely 55 54 45 And when it comes to an attack in their own area, 91% of Americans, and most New Yorkers, think an attack is unlikely in the near future. However, 35% of New Yorkers think an attack in their area is likely. Likelihood of Terror Attack in Your Area in Next Few Months Americans New Yorkers Very likely 2% 10% Somewhat likely 6 25 Not very/not at all likely 91 58 68% of Americans overall say they personally feel safe from an attack, a percentage that has increased since the 9/11 attacks. A year after the attacks, just 48% said they felt safe from terrorism. 56% of New Yorkers and 57% of those close to a 9/11 victim also say they feel safe. Personal Safety from Terrorist Attacks -------------- Americans --------------Now 8/2006 9/2002 68% 54% 48% 24 40 44 6 6 6

Feel safe Uneasy In danger Security Steps Taken

Americans split on whether the federal government has done all it reasonably could to make the country secure from terrorism. This hasnt changed substantially in the ten years since 9/11. Has Government Done All it Can to Secure U.S. from Terrorism? -------------- Americans --------------Now 8/2006 10/2002 Yes 46% 40% 49% No, could do more 48 58 46 A slim majority of Americans 54% - say the U.S. is adequately prepared to deal with an attack if one occurs. This has been the sentiment since 2008. New York City residents agree in similar numbers, and about the same percentage 55% - think NYC is ready if that happens. Prepared to Deal with Another Attack? Yes No 54% 37 (among Americans) 55% 37 (among New Yorkers)

U.S Prepared ? NYC Prepared ?

At specific points of potential attack airports, bridges, nuclear plants Americans see a mixed bag of improvements. 70% say airports are at least somewhat safer but airport security enhancements may be more visible than measures taken elsewhere. 49% say security at nuclear plants has made them safer, and 45% say bridges and tunnels are safer. Has Security at Americas.Made Things Safer? -------------- Americans --------------A lot safer Somewhat safer Not safer 26% 44 23 18% 31 19 13% 32 26

Airports Nuclear plants Bridges & tunnels

New Yorkers were asked about security at points around the city, and expressed similar views. Has Security at New York CitysMade Things Safer? -------------- New Yorkers --------------A lot safer Somewhat safer Not safer NYC Airports 27% 42 25 NYC Bridges & tunnels 20% 35 33 NY Area nuclear plants 14% 21 27 Most New Yorkers (57%) do not, however, think security measures on their subways are sufficient. Are Security Measures in NYC Subways Sufficient? ----- New Yorkers ----Yes 31% No 57 Civil Liberties and the Fight Against Terrorism 52% of Americans think the government has achieved the right balance between fighting terrorism and maintaining peoples civil liberties. However, some are concerned about government overreach: a quarter of Americans say the government has gone too far in restricting peoples civil liberties in the name of fighting terrorism. 17% say it has not gone far enough. In Fighting Terrorism, has the Government Gone too far in restricting people's civil liberties 25% Not gone far enough 17 Right balance 52 As they have for years, the public supports monitoring phone calls and emails of Americans the government is suspicious of in order to reduce terrorism, but is against keeping tabs on the communications of ordinary Americans. Willing To Allow Government to Monitor Phone Calls Of Yes No Those govt is suspicious of 65% 31 Ordinary Americans 26% 72 65% are willing to allow the government to monitor the communications of Americans it deems suspicious majorities have expressed this opinion since the question was first asked in 2003. 3

Support reached its highest level in 2006, just before the fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, when 76% favored such action. Government Monitor Phone Calls of Suspicious People? Now 8/2006 1/2006 4/2005 5/2003 Willing 65% 76% 68% 56% 63% Not willing 31 21 29 39 31 In contrast, only 26% of the public are willing to allow the government to monitor the emails and phone calls of ordinary Americans the lowest percentage since CBS News began asking the question in 2001. In the days just after the 9/11 attacks, 45% were willing to allow the government to monitor the communications of ordinary Americans. Government Monitor Phone Calls of Ordinary Americans? Now 8/2006 1/2006 4/2005 5/2003 26% 38% 28% 29% 27% 72 59 70 69 69

Willing Not willing

9/2001 45% 51

Most Americans (59%) think airport security personnel are generally doing the right thing when they check passengers, but the percentage that says they go too far has increased since 2002. Now, 23% say airport security is going too far when checking passengers, compared to just 4% who said that nearly a decade ago. In 2002, 36% of Americans said airport security wasnt doing enough to screen passengers; that has dropped to 12% today. When Checking Passengers, Airport Security Personnel Are: Now 2/2002 Going too far 23% 4% Doing the right thing 59 54 Not doing enough 12 36 The Death of bin Laden At the time of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Ladens death, Americans saw it as a victory in the war on terror, but today two-thirds of Americans say the death of bin Laden hasnt made them feel any safer. Has Killing of bin Laden Made You Feel? Friends/ Americans Families Safer 22% 18% Less safe 9 13 No change 67 66 The death of Osama bin Laden has not given most Americans or most Americans who were close to someone who died on 9/11 - a sense of closure. More than six in 10 say his death has not brought that about. Has Killing of bin Laden Brought You Closure? Friends/ Americans Families Yes 32% 36% No 65 61 4

Views of Muslims and the Mosque Controversy Most Americans (78%) say it is likely that Muslims, Arab Americans and immigrants from the Middle East are singled out unfairly by people in this country, including 29% who say it is very likely that is happening. New Yorkers agree in similar numbers. Likely Arab Americans and Muslims are Singled Out Unfairly by People in U.S.? Americans New Yorkers Very 29% 35% Somewhat 49 36 Not 18 22 In the days after the 2001 attacks, 50% of Americans expected Arab Americans and Muslims would be unfairly singled out. And more than half of each of the three groups in the poll say some people they know have negative feelings toward Muslims because of the 9/11 attacks. Do People You Know Have Negative Feelings Toward Muslims Because of 9/11? Friends/ Americans New Yorkers Families Yes 55% 55% 57% No 41 39 41 About a quarter of each group admits they themselves hold negative opinions of Muslims because of 9/11. Do You Have Negative Feelings Toward Muslims Because of 9/11? Friends/ Americans New Yorkers Families Yes 25% 20% 25% No 73 76 74 And while 57% of Americans do not think Muslim Americans are more sympathetic to terrorists than other American citizens -- 30% think they are. New Yorkers have similar opinions. Are Muslim Americans More Sympathetic to Terrorists than Other Americans? Americans New Yorkers Yes 30% 27% No 57 57 The Islamic Center Near Ground Zero Most Americans, and even more New Yorkers, have heard or read about the proposed Islamic community center and mosque two blocks from Ground Zero, but close friends and family of 9/11 victims are following that story the closest. Nearly half of those who had a close friend or relative who died in the 9/11 attacks say they have heard or read a lot about the proposed Islamic community center.

Heard or Read about the Islamic Community Center near Ground Zero Friends/ Americans New Yorkers Familes A lot 23% 39% 47% Some 38 33 37 Not much 38 26 15 All three groups are more inclined to be against the building of the center than for it. 52% of Americans oppose it, as do 55% of those who were close to a 9/11 victim (including 45% who oppose it strongly). At 45%, New Yorkers are less likely to be opposed, but more are against the building of the community center than for it. Building a Mosque/ Islamic Community Center Two Blocks From Ground Zero? Friends/ Americans New Yorkers Families Favor 27% 34% 31% Oppose 52 45 55 Dont know 21 21 14 Views on Muslims are a bit different among Americans who have a close friend who is Muslim: 43% of them say Muslims are very likely to be unfairly singled out, compared to 29% of the public nationwide. Only 10% of those with a close friend who is Muslim hold negative feelings toward Muslims because of 9/11 and 73% do not think Muslim Americans are more sympathetic to terrorists. 51% of this group favors the proposed Islamic community center and mosque near Ground Zero, while a majority of Americans overall oppose it. The Impact of the Afghanistan, Iraq conflicts One of the rationales for the military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan was to help prevent future terrorist attacks in the U.S. but about half says neither war has had an impact on the threat of terror to the U.S., and about three in 10 think those wars have increased the threat of terrorism. Impact of Wars on Terror Threat ----------------- Americans -----------------Increase Decrease No impact Afghanistan war made threat U.S. 29% 14 53 Iraq war made threat to U.S 30% 16 50 Republicans are relatively more likely than Democrats by 25% to 9% - to think the war in Iraq decreased the terrorism threat, but more in both parties think it made no difference. A majority of Republicans and Democrats see the war in Afghanistan as having made no difference. Overall, Americans continue to see the war on terror as a stalemate with neither side winning. This has been the case for most of the ten years since the 9/11 attacks. For brief periods when Americans rallied around the flag as the Iraq war began and when Saddam Hussein was captured, a majority said the U.S. was winning the war on terror. Who is Winning the War on Terror? ---------------------- Americans ----------------------Now 5/2011 8/2006 11/2004 12/2003 5/2003 10/2002 38% 44% 36% 44% 52% 61% 34% 47 45 38 38 33 26 47 9 5 21 12 9 9 14 6

The U.S. & allies Neither side Terrorists

____________________________________________________________________________ The national poll was conducted among a nationwide random sample of 1,165 adults, interviewed by telephone August 19-23, 2011. The error due to sampling could be plus or minus three percentage points for results based on the complete sample. The error for subgroups is higher. The New York City poll was conducted among a citywide random sample of 1,027 adults, interviewed by telephone August 9-15, 2011. The error due to sampling could be plus or minus three percentage points for results based on the complete sample. The error for subgroups is higher. The friends and family poll was conducted among a nationwide sample of 246 adults who say a close friend or family member was killed on 9/11, interviewed by telephone August 11-23, 2011. 854 respondents fitting this description were identified in previous CBS News and CBS News/New York Times Polls conducted since late 2010 and were called back for this survey. The results for the 246 adults responding to the callback were weighted to demographic targets based on all of the 854 who were called. The error due to sampling for results based on the entire sample could be plus or minus six percentage points. The error for subgroups is higher. All three samples included standard land-lines and cell phones. These poll releases conform to the Standards of Disclosure of the National Council on Public Polls.

CBS NEWS/NEW YORK TIMES POLL U.S.: Results based on national poll conducted August 19-23, 2011 NYC: Results based on New York City Poll conducted August 9-15, 2011 Friends & Family: Results based on a national poll of close friends and family of 9/11 victims conducted August 11-23, 2011 All trend is from CBS News/New York Times national polls unless otherwise noted. US: q3, NYC: q13, friends/family: q7 How likely do you think it is that there will be another terrorist attack on the United States within the next few months -- very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at all likely? Americans % 9 33 40 15 3 New Yorkers % 11 27 37 17 8 Friends/Family % 13 38 25 20 4 May11a % 21 48 22 7 2

Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely DK/NA

US: q4 How likely do you think it is that within the next few months -- very all likely? NYC: q14, friends/family: q8 How likely do you think it is that City within the next few months -all likely?

there will be another terrorist attack in your area likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, or not at

there will be another terrorist attack in New York very likely, somewhat likely, not very likely, not at

Very likely Somewhat likely Not very likely Not at all likely DK/NA

2 6 37 54 1

10 25 37 21 7

6 28 36 27 3

US: q5, NYC: q15, friends/family: q9 Do you generally feel safe from terrorist attacks, feel somewhat uneasy, or feel in danger? Aug06b* Safe 68 56 57 54 Uneasy 24 30 28 40 Danger 6 11 14 6 DK/NA 2 3 1 0 *Wording change: What about you personally? Do you US: q6 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Americans will always have to live with the risk of terrorism. NYC: q23 Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? New Yorkers will always have to live with the risk of terrorism. Oct02f 85 13 2

Agree Disagree DK/NA

83 15 2

79 19 2

US: q7, NYC: q17 In the ten years since 9/11, do you think the federal government has done all it could reasonably be expected to do to make the country safe from future terrorist attacks, or could the government have done more? Americans New Yorkers % % Done all it could 46 46 Could have done more 48 48 DK/NA 6 6 *Wording: In the five years since Sept. 11th Aug06b* % 40 58 2

US: q8, NYC: q20 Do you think the United States is adequately prepared to deal with another terrorist attack, or not? Aug09a* 50 44 6

Prepare 54 Not prepared 37 DK/NA 9 *Wording: In general, do you

50 39 11

US: q10 Overall, in its efforts to fight terrorism, do you think the U.S. government has gone too far in restricting people's civil liberties, or has it not gone far enough, or has the balance been about right? Too far Not far enough About right DK/NA 25 17 52 6

US: q11 In order to reduce the threat of terrorism, would you be willing or not willing to allow government agencies to monitor the telephone calls and e-mails of Americans that the government is suspicious of? Aug06b Willing 65 76 Not willing 31 21 DK/NA 4 3 US: q12 In order to reduce the threat of terrorism, would you be willing or not willing to allow government agencies to monitor the telephone calls and e-mails of ordinary Americans on a regular basis? Aug06b 38 59 3

Willing Not willing DK/NA

26 72 2

US: q20, NYC: q22 Do you think the threat of another terrorist attack is higher in New York City than it is in any other city in the United States, or is the threat there the same as it is in any other city in the United States? Higher Same Lower (Vol.) DK/NA 38 57 3 2 70 26 2 2

US: q21, friends/family: q16: Do you think the security measures put into place since 9/11 at airports have made the public safer, or not? IF SAFER, ASK: Is the public a lot safer or only somewhat safer? NYC: q25 Do you think the security measures put into place since 9/11 at New York Citys airports have made the public safer, or not? IF SAFER, ASK: Is the public a lot safer or only somewhat safer? Americans % 26 44 23 1 6 New Yorkers % 27 42 25 2 4 Friends/Family % 20 40 37 0 3

A lot safer Somewhat safer Not safer Depends (vol.) DK/NA

US: q22, friends/family: q17: Do you think the security measures put into place since 9/11 at bridges and tunnels have made the public safer, or not? IF SAFER, ASK: Is the public a lot safer or only somewhat safer? NYC: q26 Do you think the security measures put into place since 9/11 at New York Citys bridges and tunnels have made the public safer, or not? IF SAFER, ASK: Is the public a lot safer or only somewhat safer? A lot safer Somewhat safer Not safer Depends (vol.) DK/NA 13 32 26 1 28 20 35 33 1 11 14 35 44 0 7

US: q23, friends/family: q18: Do you think the security measures put into place since 9/11 at nuclear power plants have made the public safer, or not? IF SAFER, ASK: Is the public a lot safer or only somewhat safer? NYC: q27 Do you think the security measures put into place since 9/11 at nuclear power plants in the New York area have made the public safer, or not? IF SAFER, ASK: Is the public a lot safer or only somewhat safer? A lot safer Somewhat safer Not safer Depends (vol.) DK/NA 18 31 19 1 31 14 21 27 0 38 17 36 33 0 14

US: q24 Do you think in general that airport security personnel who check passengers in the airport are going too far in checking passengers, or are they generally doing the right thing, or are airport security personnel not doing enough to check passengers? Feb02a % 4 54 36 6

Going too far Doing right thing Not doing enough DK/NA

23 59 12 6

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US: q27 As a result of U.S. military action against Afghanistan, do you think the threat of terrorism against the United States has increased, decreased, or stayed about the same? Americans % Increased 29 Decreased 14 Stayed about the same 53 DK/NA 4 *Wording change: As a result of the United States military actions in Sep09b* % 17 27 51 5 Afghanistan,

US: q28 As a result of the United States' military action against Iraq, do you think the threat of terrorism against the United States has increased, decreased, or stayed about the same? Aug10b 25 18 55 2

Increased Decreased Stayed about the same DK/NA

30 16 50 4

US: q29 Who do you think is currently winning the war against terrorism -- the U.S. and its allies, neither side, or the terrorists? May11a 44 45 5 6

U.S. and allies Neither side Terrorists DK/NA

38 47 9 6

US: q30, NYC: q32, friends & family: q12 Now that Osama bin Laden has been killed, do you think the United States is safer from the threat of terrorism, less safe, or is there no change? Americans % 22 9 67 2 New Yorkers % 17 12 69 2 Friends/Family % 18 13 66 3

Safer Less safe No change DK/NA

US: q31, NYC: q33, friends & family: q13 Has the killing of Osama bin Laden by the U.S. brought a sense of closure for you concerning the events of September 11th, or hasn't it done that? Has brought closure Has not DK/NA 32 65 3 31 63 6 36 61 3

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US: q35, NYC: q9, friends & family: q10 How much have you heard or read about the mosque and Islamic community center that has been proposed for two blocks from Ground Zero -- a lot, some, not much, or nothing at all? Americans % 23 38 21 17 1 New Yorkers % 39 33 18 8 2 Friends/Family % 47 37 10 5 1

A lot Some Not much Nothing at all DK/NA

US: q36, NYC: q10, friends & family: q11 Do you favor or oppose the building of a mosque and Islamic community center two blocks from Ground Zero? IF FAVOR/OPPOSE, ASK: Do you favor/oppose that strongly, or not that strongly? Favor strongly Favor not strongly Oppose not strongly Oppose strongly DK/NA 12 15 15 37 21 20 14 16 29 21 17 14 10 45 14

US: q37, NYC: q35 Do you have a lot of confidence, some confidence, or no confidence that your neighbors would help you in an emergency? A lot Some None DK/NA 71 22 5 2 50 35 13 2

US: q39, NYC: q53 How likely do you think it is now that Arab Americans, Muslims, and immigrants from the Middle East are being singled out unfairly by people in this country -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely or not at all likely? Sep10b % 34 37 15 9 5

Very likely Somewhat likely Not too likely Not at all likely DK/NA

29 49 12 6 4

35 36 14 8 7

US: q40, NYC: q54, friends & family: q14 These days, do people you know have negative feelings toward Muslims because of the attack on the World Trade Center, or not? Yes No DK/NA 55 41 4 55 39 6 57 41 2

US: q41, NYC: q55, friends & family: q15

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Do you ever have any negative feelings toward Muslims because of the attack on the World Trade Center, or don't you? Americans % 25 73 2 New Yorkers % 20 76 4 Friends/Family % 25 74 1 Sep10b % 21 74 5

Yes No DK/NA

US: q42, NYC: q56 Do you think Muslim Americans are more sympathetic to terrorists than other American citizens are, or not? More sympathetic More sympathetic DK/NA 30 57 13 27 57 16

CBS NEWS/NEW YORK TIMES POLL Questions asked in New York City only August 9-15, 2011 NYC: q18 In the ten years since 9/11, do you think the New York City government has done all it could reasonably be expected to do to make the CITY safe from future terrorist attacks, or could the New York City government have done more? New Yorkers % 56 39 5

Done all it reasonably could Could have done more DK/NA

NYC: q21 Do you think New York City is adequately prepared to deal with another terrorist attack, or not? Is adequately prepared Is not adequately prepared DK/NA 55 37 8

NYC: q24 Do you think the security measures currently in place in New York City subways are sufficient, or not? Yes No DK/NA 31 57 12

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CBS NEWS/NEW YORK TIMES POLL Questions asked only of close friends and family of 9/11 victims August 11-23, 2011 Friends & family: q2 Do you think the U.S. is doing the right thing by fighting the war in Afghanistan now, or should the U.S. not be involved in Afghanistan now? Friends/Family % 32 62 6

Right thing Wrong thing DK/NA

Friends & family: q3 Looking back, do you think the United States did the right thing in taking military action against Iraq, or should the U.S. have stayed out? Right thing Stay out DK/NA 42 52 6

Friends & family: q4 Who do you think is most to blame for not preventing the September 11th attacks? George W. Bush Intelligence community U.S./Gov't Transportation security/airports Bill Clinton No one Lack of foresight Lack of communications Other DK/NA 28 12 11 7 6 5 4 4 5 18

Total Americans (National survey) Total New Yorkers (NYC survey) Total Friends/Family of 9/11 victim

Sample size 1165 1027 246

Margin of error 3 pts. 3 pts. 6 pts.

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