Free_Iran_Now

ADL Poll: Majority of Americans Support Military Action by U.S. and Israel to Prevent Iran from Developing Nuclear Weapons
4/13/2005 10:54:00 AM
To: National and International desks
Contact: Myrna Shinbaum of the Anti-Defamation League, 212-885-7747; Web: http://www.adl.org
NEW YORK, April 13 /U.S. Newswire/ -- A majority of the American people support military action by the United States and Israel to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons as a last resort, according the Anti-Defamation League's 2005 American Attitudes Toward Israel and the Middle East, a public opinion survey of 1,600 American adults conducted March 18-25 by the Marttila Communications Group.
When asked, "Do you think America should take military action to stop Iran from developing or trying to develop a nuclear weapons program," 53 percent said yes; 37 percent said no. When asked the same question about Israel, 51 percent said yes, 34 percent said no.
"The findings are important, less for its prescription for any particular policy than for the recognition by the public of the serious danger inherent in Iran's Islamic regime achieving nuclear capability," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL national director."This is a clear message from the American public that strong action is imperative in this matter. It should inform the Europeans that this is no time for procrastination, that UN sanctions against an uncooperative regime are needed, and that a military option, while only a last resort, is an acceptable option."
The findings on the Iranian question, however, do not correspond to American opinion on the broader issue of a preemptive strategy. By a margin of 58 percent to 32 percent, the public opposes a pre-emptive action when it is not clear that there is an immediate threat to America's national security.
The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent.
------
EDITORS NOTE: The full survey results, including graphics and other visuals, are available on the league's Web site at http://www.adl.org. To speak with an expert, contact ADL Media Relations at 212-885-7749 or e-mail adlmedia@adl.org.
The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.
http://www.usnewswire.com/
-0-
/© 2005 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/