2006-09-05-皮尤-Diminished_Public_Appetite_for_Military_Force_and_Mideast_Oil_19页_61kb

Summary of Pew Research Center Report: Five Years After Sept. 11, 2006

In this report, Pew Research Center examines public opinion five years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, highlighting key shifts in attitudes toward terrorism, U.S. military presence, global respect, and other related issues.

Changing Views on Terrorism and Military Presence

• A majority (45%) now favor reducing overseas military involvement to combat terrorism, reversing the 2002 stance where 48% supported expansion. This shift is particularly pronounced among Democrats and Independents.
• Fewer Americans (43%) believe military strikes against countries developing nuclear weapons are important for reducing terrorism, down from 58% in 2002.
• Decreasing dependence on Middle East oil is seen as a very important step (67% compared to 53% in 2002), driven partly by bipartisan concerns.

Public Perception of Threats and U.S. Image

• 62% of Americans believe terrorist capabilities to launch attacks are the same (37%) or greater (25%) than in 2001, indicating concern about ongoing threats.
• A weakened military approach (e.g., pulling back from overseas bases) is viewed as more effective in counterterrorism than a stronger role.
• U.S. global respect has declined; 65% say the U.S. is less respected today, with Democrats and Independents more likely to see this as a major problem.

Memory of 9/11 and Personal Impact

• Nearly all (95%) Americans recall exactly where they were during the attacks, and most (51%) feel life in America has changed significantly.
• About one-third (22%) report personal life changes due to the attacks.
• Opinions on whether 9/11 marked a major conflict with Islam are divided, with most viewing it as a conflict with a small radical group.

Partisan Divisions

• Democrats and Republicans increasingly disagree on counterterrorism strategies. Republicans remain more supportive of increased military presence, while Democrats and Independents favor reduction.
• Partisan splits extend to reasons for anti-American sentiment, with Republicans emphasizing U.S. wealth and power, while Democrats highlight the Iraq War.

Other Findings

• Concerns about future terrorist attacks remain high, though public anxiety has fluctuated since 2001.
• Racial tensions post-9/11 show increased suspicion of Middle Eastern descent people, though without a partisan divide.
• The report is based on a national survey with high statistical confidence, reflecting evolving public sentiment over time.