Poll: Most Americans Say US Is Losing the War on Terrorism

Most Americans say they are not satisfied with how the war on terror is progressing, a new CNN/ORC poll finds, and more are now saying the terrorists are winning than at any point since the 9/11 attacks.

The poll of 1,018 adults, conducted between Dec. 17-21, found that 75 percent say they're dissatisfied following the terrorist attacks in San Bernardino and Paris, CNN reports, marking a high point of 61 percent in August 2007.

However, fewer than half of Americans, or 40 percent, say the terrorists are winning. But that is still 17 points above the previous high of 23 percent that was recorded in August 2005.

In other findings:

• 40 percent say neither side has an advantage;
• 18 percent say today that the U.S. and its allies have the upper hand;
• 59 percent of Democrats are dissatisfied with how the Obama White House fights terrorism;
• 79 percent of independents are dissatisfied;
• 86 percent of Republicans are not satisfied.
• 55 percent of Republicans say the terrorists are winning;
• 52 percent of Republicans believe neither side has an edge.

However, Americans are still holding out hope, CNN reports.

Most Americans believe the government can prevent all major attacks from happening, but 45 percent said terrorists will always find a way to launch a major attack, no matter what the government does. This number was down from about 60 percent in previous polling.

In other numbers:

• 53 percent of Americans polled say the U.S. can absolutely repel attacks;
• 58 percent of Republicans said all attacks can be prevented;
• 46 percent of Democrats have faith in the government's ability.
• 45 percent are worried they or a family member will be a victim of terrorism;
• 51 have at least a moderate amount of confidence in the White House's ability to protect citizens from terrorism;
• 17 percent say they have a great deal of confidence.

The worry and dissatisfaction is reflected in Obama's approval ratings, reports CNN, with his ratings remaining in negative territory since late November:

• 52 percent of Americans disapprove of his handling of the presidency;
• 60 percent disapprove of his handling of terrorism;
• 64 percent disapprove of how he's handling ISIS.

Americans are still divided, meanwhile, on putting boots on the ground in Syria to fight ISIS, with 49 percent favoring ground troops, compared to 53 percent last month, just shortly after the San Bernardino attacks.

Further, Americans remain reluctant to call the U.S. engagement against ISIS a war, with 57 percent saying the U.S. is involved in a military conflict while 40 percent called it war.

The poll carried a margin of error of 3 percentage points.

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