As the Obama administration considers its options in Afghanistan — especially whether to send more troops — a more fundamental question continues to be raised about the conflict there: Is the United States doomed to fail in Afghanistan, as others have failed before?
And what about the other half of the so-called AfPak strategy — Pakistan, with its nuclear arsenal? The United States is pressuring the Pakistani military to root out al-Qaida and Taliban militants, but a difficult road lies ahead. Can the United States possibly find success in the region?
A panel of experts took on that topic in the latest Intelligence Squared U.S. debate. Three experts argued for the motion "America Cannot and Will Not Succeed in Afghanistan/Pakistan," and three argued against in the Oxford-style debate at New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
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About IQ2US:
IQ2US marks the launch of Oxford-style debating -- one motion, one moderator, two to three advocates for the motion, two to three against -- in New York City. Each evening begins at 6:00P with a complimentary wine reception. Before the debate starts, you cast your vote for or against the evening's motion. Those results are displayed midway through the debate as each side makes its statements. After the panelists’ opening remarks, the audience has a chance to ask the speakers questions. The question-and-answer period is followed by brief summations from the panelists and a final audience vote. The votes are then tallied and a winning side is declared.
http://www.intelligencesquaredus.org/About_IQUS2.aspx