After Paris ISIS Terror Attacks, Germans Support Tougher Security Measures Amid Islamic State Threats

More than nine in 10 Germans support increased security measures in their country after last Friday’s terror attacks in Paris and a bombing threat at a German national-team soccer match Tuesday, according to a new report. Since the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for orchestrating coordinated attacks in Paris last week, Germans have been on high alert, and now the country has deployed extra police to many cities and is conducting extra security checks at airports.

While increased security measures are sometimes seen as controversial, a new poll by broadcaster ARD showed that 91 percent of Germans support “appropriate security measures,” reported the Local. Just five percent said they were afraid the extra security could infringe on their constitutional rights.

Adults across political parties and demographics seemed to accept Germany’s security efforts, the poll found. This is a very different finding than what typically comes up in polls of United States citizens about American security efforts. A Gallup poll released Tuesday showed 65 percent of Americans want their government to take steps to prevent terrorism but not violate civil liberties, while 30 percent said the government should take all steps necessary to prevent terrorism, even if civil liberties are violated.

CIA Director John Brennan said Monday that civil liberties protections put in place after whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed many of the National Security Agency’s strategies were hurting the country’s ability to track terrorists.

In Germany, the government is still debating whether to increase security measures following the recent attacks. Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble supports putting soldiers on German streets to support the police, according to The Local. However, Justice Minister Heiko Maas believes the nation does not need tighter security laws.

Despite their support for increased security at home, German citizens did not favor getting involved in combat operations against ISIS. The responses were much more split on this issue, with 52 percent opposing involvement and 41 percent in favor.