Concern among Americans about Islamic fundamentalism is at its highest level since just after the 9/11 attacks, with seven in 10 fearing a terrorist attack and an equal amount supporting assassinations of key leaders in order to protect the country, according to a new survey.

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs found that concerns about terrorist attacks from Islamic fundamentalists has surged past worries about fears of Iran's nuclear program, computer hacking and international terrorism.



The findings come amid a media focus on ISIS and their policy of butchering women and beheading men and the flood of Syrian refugees into Europe as they flee the Islamic State.

Among the key findings:

-- The percentage of Americans who perceive a "critical threat" from Islamic fundamentalism has increased 15 percentage points in just a year, to 55 percent, the highest level since 2002.



-- The top threat seen by Americans is an attack in the U.S. by Islamic extremists. Some 72 percent called that a "critical threat."

-- Americans are ready to fight back; 77 percent support U.S. airstrikes; 76 percent back drone attacks; 73 percent endorse assassinations of terrorist leaders; 60 percent support ground troops and just 58 percent back military assistance to Arab nations.

-- 73 percent expect a war with ISIS to last longer than three years.

Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner's "Washington Secrets" columnist, can be contacted at pbedard@washingtonexaminer.com.