Post 9-11:

September 10, 2003, New York, NY - More Americans are fearful of personal harm from a terrorist attack now than just after September 11, 2001, and more are doubtful that terrorism can be eliminated, according to a poll conducted for the Orlando Sentinel by Ipsos Public Affairs, a leading public opinion polling firm, and a division of the Ipsos group of companies.

The results compare Ipsos U.S. Express polls conducted on September 11th as well as October 19-21, 2001, and an Ipsos U.S. Express poll conducted over this past weekend, from September 5-7, 2003.

The survey revealed that two years after the attacks, more Americans believe that the events of 9-11 fundamentally changed the world forever. On the evening of September11th, 21% of Americans believed things would return to normal, while 74% believed that the events of 9-11 would prove to be a pivotal event. With two years' hindsight, Americans reveal wider belief in the dramatic impact of the events: only 12 % now believe things have returned to normal, while the vast majority of Americans (82%) now believe that the events were a turning point that fundamentally changed things forever.

More Americans are now fearful, too. In the poll conducted October 19-21, 2001, only 15% of Americans were afraid of personal physical danger from a future terrorist attack. Despite the U.S. Government's war on terrorism, when the same question was asked September 5-7, 2003, 24% of Americans said they feared personal physical danger from a future terrorist attack.

While the United States invaded Iraq without the support of the United Nations, 70% of Americans believe that the war on terrorism should be waged with the co-operation of allied nations. Less than a third of Americans (27%) believe the war on terrorism is something the U.S. should conduct according to its own plan and goals, regardless of what other countries think.

Whether it is a shift from optimism to pessimism, or if Americans are simply more realistic after the wars against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq, fewer Americans now believe that the war on terrorism will lead to the end of terrorism in the world: only 8% believe that efforts to eliminate the terrorist threat will be successful, compared to 12% of Americans who were hopeful in the previous poll.

Post 9-11 Anniversary Study Results Interviews: 1,000 adults Margin of Error: 1773.1. Interview dates: September 5-7, 2003 All results shown are in percentages

1. Looking back, do you tend to think that
2. On a day-to-day basis, do you fear that you personally are in physical danger from a future terrorist attack?
3. Which of the following two statements comes closer to your own opinion?
4. Do you think that the current war on terrorism will lead to the end of terrorism in the world?

For more information, please contact: Thomas Riehle President, Ipsos-Public Affairs Washington, D.C. 202.463.7300