Beyond Labels

A 360° Discussion of Foreign, National and Local Policy Issues

Syria: To Strike or Not?

September 6, 2013
3 Comments

This topic was discussed on September 9, 2013.
The developments in Syria, and their repercussions in the U.S. and around the world, have dominated the news in recent weeks. On Monday, September 9, we will discuss what to do about the situation.

  • What are the U.S.’s options for action?
  • Under what conditions should the U.S. intervene?
  • What should be the minimum “coalition” behind U.S. action?
  • How should Congress vote? What should the resolution look like?
  • Does the President have the authority to act without Congressional approval?
  • What repercussions from a U.S. strike can be expected? By Syria? By Iran? By Russia?
  • What precedents are set be action? By inaction?

U.S. Citizenship: How Should It Distinguish Us From Others?

August 14, 2013
4 Comments

This subject was discussed on August 26, 2013.

The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights provide a series of protections that extend to U.S. citizens. But as we discuss how the U.S. should treat non-citizens (visitors to the U.S. and immigrants, targets of drone strikes outside the U.S., etc.) we have often concluded that many of the rights afforded to U.S. citizens should, in fact, be extended to everyone.

  • Which rights associated with citizenship, if any, should not be extended to non-citizens?
    • How should immigrants in the U.S. be treated?
    • What about others (outside the U.S.)?
  • To what degree should the U.S. impose its views on such rights on foreign governments?
    • “Jawbone” them to offer similar rights to their citizens?
    • Make foreign aid or cooperation contingent on extension of rights?
    • Intervene more aggressively?

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