WASHINGTON • As the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks approaches, Americans increasingly balk at intrusive government surveillance in the name of national security, and only about a third believe that the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were worth fighting, according to a new poll.

More Americans also regard the threat from domestic extremism as more worrisome than that of extremism abroad, the poll found.

The poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that support for surveillance tools aimed at monitoring conversations taking place outside the country, once seen as vital in the fight against attacks, has dipped in the last decade.

That’s even though international threats are again generating headlines following the chaotic end to the 20-year war in Afghanistan.

In particular, 46% of Americans say they oppose the U.S. government responding to threats against the nation by reading emails sent between people outside of the U.S. without a warrant, as permitted under law for purposes of foreign intelligence collection.

That’s compared to just 27% who are in favor.

In an AP-NORC poll conducted one decade ago, more favored than opposed the practice, 47% to 30%.

Gary Kieffer, a retired 80-year-old New Yorker, said he is anxious about the government’s powers.

“At what point does this work against the population in general rather than try to weed out potential saboteurs or whatever?” asked Kieffer, who is a registered Democrat.

“At what point is it going to be a danger to the public rather saving them or keeping them more secure?”

Two vertical columns of light representing the fallen towers of the World Trade Center shine against the lower Manhattan skyline on Sept. 11, 2020.

the associated press