Americans see the war against terrorism as a success — both in its military and domestic security aspects. In the latest Economist/YouGov Poll, six in ten say U.S. military operations abroad have been a success, and even more think that about do- mestic security and surveillance efforts.
Republicans and Democrats agree these efforts have been successful: and there have been no attacks on U.S. since September 11, 2001. Americans believe the Patriot Act has been part of this success. 55% of those who are aware of the Patriot Act say it has prevented terrorist attacks in the U.S., 32% disagree.
But that doesn’t mean all Americans like the act. By 45% to 38%, they believe it goes too far and is a threat to civil liberties. Most Republicans say it is a necessary tool to help the government fight terrorists, a majority of independents and almost half of Democrats disagree.
Economist/YouGov poll archives can found here.
Photo source: Press Association
