WASHINGTON, Dec 23: Most Americans think Sept 11 made 2001 a watershed in their country’s history but that the devastating attacks left the United States stronger, not weaker, according to a Time/CNN poll released on Saturday.

The poll found that 76 per cent of respondents believed the events of this year “changed everything forever” and nearly 90 per cent thought the nation had been strengthened.

Hijacked commercial jets slammed into US landmarks on Sept 11, killing nearly 3,300 people, scarring the American psyche and aggravating an already weakened economy.

Looking ahead to 2002, more than half of the 1008 people polled on Wednesday and Thursday thought next year would be better overall. About one third said there would be little difference.

Asked about the likelihood of terrorism striking US soil in 2002, 38 per cent thought it was very likely, while 43 per cent said it was somewhat likely. Just over a quarter of respondents had “a great deal of confidence” that the government could protect them from further attacks.

But President George W. Bush continued to enjoy robust approval ratings, with more than 80 per cent of respondents applauding his efforts.

Nearly 60 per cent of those questioned favoured a long-term war to defeat terrorism and almost three-quarters thought the US should send troops to Iraq to topple Saddam Hussein.

And as Osama bin Laden continues to elude US authorities, the poll hinted that Americans may be resigning themselves to his escape.—Reuters