The war on terror: an update.(Opinion Pulse)(Illustration)

When Americans are asked about the war on terror, more people generally say we are winning than losing. When asked in a different formulation whether the United States and our allies, the terrorists, or neither side is winning, only 17 percent say the terrorists are. People are skeptical, however, about whether terrorism can be completely eliminated. A solid majority believes the U.S. has been successful in dismantling Osama bin Laden's terror network, and most have confidence in the administration's ability to protect the country from terrorist attacks. Americans reject the idea that we have completed our mission in Afghanistan.

 
Question: In your judgment ...? 
 
U.S. is winning the war on terror        49% 
U.S. is losing                           35% 
Don't know                               16% 
 
Source: Martilla Communications 
Group for the Security and Peace 
Institute, January 2005. 
 
Note: Table made from pie chart. 
 
Question: Which is closest to your own view? 
 
The war on terror can be won in the 
long term if we defeat al-Qaeda and 
break up other terror networks.             27% 
 
While we can greatly reduce the threat 
of terror, we can never eliminate the 
threat completely. Therefore, the war 
on terror will never be won or lost.        70 
 
Source: Martilla Communications 
Group for the Security and Peace 
Institute, January 2005. 
 
Note: Table made from bar graph. 
 
Question: How much confidence do you have in the Bush administration 
to protect America from future terrorists attacks? 
 
A fair amount ...