Key facts
- 48% of Americans surveyed believe post-9/11 military operations and increased domestic security have been worth the cost.
- 27% of respondents were unsure if the post-9/11 actions were worth the cost, while 25% said no.
- 71% of Republicans and a lower percentage of Democrats agreed that the post-9/11 actions were worthwhile.
- 52% of respondents believe Muslims have been treated worse than people of other religions in the US since 9/11.
- A research report estimated 4.5 million deaths, including indirect fatalities, as a consequence of wars since 9/11.
A YouGov poll released on Wednesday indicates that 48% of Americans believe the military operations and surveillance infrastructure implemented after the September 11, 2001 attacks have been justified by their outcomes. The survey, which polled 1,098 U.S. citizens aged 18 and older between August 20-23, also found that 27% were unsure and 25% believed the post-9/11 measures were not worth the cost.
Political affiliation showed a significant divide, with 71% of Republicans agreeing the actions were worthwhile, compared to a lower percentage of Democrats. The poll comes ahead of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
In the aftermath of 9/11, then-President George W. Bush established the Department of Homeland Security and signed the Patriot Act, which expanded government surveillance powers. Congress also passed the Authorisation for the Use of Military Force, which has been used for military actions in several countries.
Regarding the treatment of religious groups, 52% of respondents stated that Muslims in the United States have been treated worse than people of other religions since the attacks. This sentiment was stronger among Democrats (71%) than Republicans (28%).
A quarter of all respondents identified right-wing extremists as the perpetrators of the greatest number of violent attacks in the U.S., while 19% pointed to Islamic extremists. Maha Hilal, author of "Innocent Until Proven Muslim," commented that the "war on terror" narrative has often treated the targeting of Muslims as an unintended consequence.
The report also highlighted controversy surrounding CBS News' coverage of Muslim US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, with staff accusing the network of racism. El-Sayed had made posts comparing COVID-19 deaths to 9/11 fatalities and advocating for mobilization against poverty and the pandemic.
A research report from Brown University's Costs of War project estimated that 4.5 million people have died as a consequence of wars initiated since 9/11, with a significant portion being indirect deaths resulting from factors like economic collapse, destruction of public services, and trauma.