Poll shows 57% of Americans believe al-Qaida attack likely

After reports last week suggested there might be a new al-Qaida strike in the US - possibly in Las Vegas - on July 4, a poll today showed many Americans believe an attack on Independence Day is likely.

The Time magazine/CNN poll said more than half of Americans (57%) surveyed think a terrorist attack then is ‘‘very’’ or ‘‘somewhat’’ likely (13% and 44%).

Of those questioned, 11% thought it was ‘‘not at all likely,’’ and 27% said ‘‘not very likely’’.

Overall, Americans think the risk of a terrorist attack on the US is ‘‘high’’ (39%) or ‘‘significant’’ (29%).