Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Little Support in Pakistan for American Drone Strikes Targeting Extremist Leaders

Few Pakistanis support American drone attacks targeting extremist leaders in their country, even if the attacks are coordinated with Pakistani authorities.

Only 17% favor the U.S. conducting drone strikes in conjunction with the Pakistani government against leaders of extremist organizations, little changed from 23% in 2010, the first year the question was asked. Just over half of Pakistanis (55%) say they have heard a lot or a little about the drone attacks. Among those who have heard at least a little, nearly all (97%) consider them a bad thing. Those who are familiar with the drone campaign also overwhelmingly believe the attacks kill too many innocent people (94%). About three-quarters (74%) say they are not necessary to defend Pakistan from extremist organizations. Read More