45%: Iran greatest threat to U.S.

A new poll has shown that a clear majority of Americans – 62% – favor preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons even if it requires a U.S. military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, as opposed to a mere 23% who oppose the use of force even if this would mean that Iran would probably become a nuclear power.  The Foreign Policy Initiative poll, conducted by Basswood Research from September 15-17, 2012, also found that: 

• 45% of Americans view Iran as the greatest threat to American security – a far larger percentage than for any other country deemed threatening by the American public (China, which came second, was rated as the highest threat to the U.S. by 8% of Americans). 

• A strong majority of Americans (70%) view Israel favorably as opposed to 24% who view it unfavorably. When asked in an open-ended question to name the country that is “America’s best ally in the world today,” Israel (16%) came second only to the United Kingdom (54%). (In contrast, Egypt, which President Obama recently admitted is not an ally, is viewed unfavorably by 59% of Americans, as opposed to 25% who view it favorably). (September 2012 Foreign Policy Initiative poll, Independent Media Review Analysis, October 1, 2012).

ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said, “This latest poll shows an increase in the percentage of Americans supporting all steps including, if necessary, military measures to stop Iran becoming a nuclear power – up to 62% from 58% polled by Pew in February.

 “The results in this poll show the American public to possess a realistic sense of the looming danger posed to America, Israel and the democratic world generally by an Iranian regime intent on obtaining nuclear weapons.

“The American public wants to achieve the ending of the Iranian nuclear weapons program peacefully, but is deeply skeptical that negotiations will actually produce this vital result and is thus willing to endorse military action if all else fails.”