Americans Prefer Diplomacy Over Bombing Mecca

Press release from American Arab Institute

August 22, 2005   Washington- An Arab American Institute (AAI) poll conducted August 12-14 shows that by a margin of three-to-one, Americans overwhelmingly reject the suggestion made by US Congressman Tom Tancredo (R-CO) that in the event of another terrorist attack on American soil, the US should threaten to bomb holy sites in the Arab and Muslim world.       "This poll should make it clear that Americans overwhelmingly reject Tancredo's dangerous threats," said AAI President James Zogby.   AAI requested the survey in response to the controversial remarks that Tancredo made on a radio show a few weeks ago. When asked what the US’s response should be if our cities were targets of another terrorist attack, Tancredo replied, “Well, what if you said something like, ‘If this happens in the United States, and we determine it is the result of extremist, fundamentalist Muslims, you know, you could take out their Holy Sites.’”  “You’re talking about bombing Mecca,” clarified the host.  “Yeah,” Tancredo affirmed.   Commenting on Tancredo’s remarks, the US Department of State said, “Such remarks…are insulting and offensive to us all.  Speaking on behalf of the United States Government, let [us] say that we respect Islam as a religion, we respect its holy sites.”  When asked whether they supported the position taken by the State Department or that taken by Tancredo, 68% supported the Department of State, while only 24% sided with Tancredo.   The preference for diplomacy over provocative threats was reinforced in response to other questions.  For example, when asked to evaluate their support for a number of approaches to combat terrorism, 83% strongly support the establishment of programs between Arab American and American Muslim communities and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to develop communication and trust.  Seventy-nine percent strongly support strengthening partnerships with moderate Arab and Muslim states, to share intelligence and cooperate in counter-terrorism operations.  However, when threatening to bomb Mecca was proposed, only 23% support that option, while 73% reject it.