Most Americans believe the Islamic State groups poses more of a threat to the vital interests of the United States than any other current foreign threat, according to a new Gallup poll.
Eighty-four percent of respondents told Gallup that the Islamic State group, who have recently taken over large swaths of Syria and Iraq and conducted a number of brutal executions, pose the greatest critical threat to the vital interests of the U.S. over the next 10 years.
The same percentage of people think that international terrorism in general poses a critical threat, however the Islamic State was deemed slightly more important than other terrorism.
"In a winter that has seen acts of unspeakable terrorism, with Obama seeking authorization for military action against the Islamic State, Americans are clearly concerned about Islamic militants and terrorists," Gallup said.
Development of nuclear weapons by Iran, which maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, was the next most serious threat, at 77 percent, followed by the military power of North Korea, 64 percent, and the military power of Russia, 49 percent.
Even with the escalation of fighting between Ukraine and Russian-back separatists as a Sunday ceasefire nears - and as President Barack Obama considers whether to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine amid pressure from lawmakers - only 44 percent of Americans told Gallup the fighting poses a critical threat to the vital U.S. interests.
"With a majority of Americans opposed to U.S. military aid to Ukraine, it appears Obama could have a difficult time of selling a military approach to the American people," wrote Gallup.
"The conflict in Ukraine may not worry Americans as much because they see it as more of a threat to Europe than to the U.S."
The poll was conducted Feb. 8-11 with a random sample of 837 adults and has a sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
