Terrorism Polls: Register Your Opinion on the War on Terrorism
The 'War on Terrorism' has produced a great deal of debate. Is it a proper war, like World War II, or a metaphorical war like the 'War on Drugs'? Does it justify limiting freedoms to enhance security? Is it a just a war against terrorists or is it really a war against Islam? Is everyone who is not 'with' America therefore 'against' America?
Will Islam Reform, Adapt, and Modernize in the Future?
It has been said that one of the problems with the Islamic community is that Islam hasn't experienced a Reformation or Enlightenment which would help constrain the power and attractiveness of fundamentalism. This isn't entirely true: there have been reform movements in Islam; their problem is that these movements occurred when Islam was weak and, therefore, attracted little interest.
It has been said that one of the problems with the Islamic community is that Islam hasn't experienced a Reformation or Enlightenment which would help constrain the power and attractiveness of fundamentalism. This isn't entirely true: there have been reform movements in Islam; their problem is that these movements occurred when Islam was weak and, therefore, attracted little interest.
Do You Support a Nuclear Attack on Iran?
Evidence suggests that President Bush could be planning a nuclear attack on Iran. He apparently has a messianic complex in which he believes that he is the only person who can counter the Iranian threat and, so, the fate of the free world rests on his courage to launch a destructive war - even a nuclear war. Would you support such an attack?
Evidence suggests that President Bush could be planning a nuclear attack on Iran. He apparently has a messianic complex in which he believes that he is the only person who can counter the Iranian threat and, so, the fate of the free world rests on his courage to launch a destructive war - even a nuclear war. Would you support such an attack?
Should Courts Issue Secret Rulings Based On Secret Evidence?
In America, today, President Bush can order secret wiretapping and surveillance performed on you. Secret evidence can then be used to get judges to issue secret rulings that even your defense attorney is not allowed to read - assuming, of course, that you ever see a judge. Is this justified and fair?
In America, today, President Bush can order secret wiretapping and surveillance performed on you. Secret evidence can then be used to get judges to issue secret rulings that even your defense attorney is not allowed to read - assuming, of course, that you ever see a judge. Is this justified and fair?
What's the Primary Causes of Terrorism Among Muslims?
Is terrorism committed by Muslims caused by something radical in the nature of Islam itself? This is a common assumption, but it might not be true. There is evidence that other factors - social and political - play a much larger role in encouraging and sustaining terrorism than anything in Islam itself. What do you think is most important in Muslim terrorism?
Is terrorism committed by Muslims caused by something radical in the nature of Islam itself? This is a common assumption, but it might not be true. There is evidence that other factors - social and political - play a much larger role in encouraging and sustaining terrorism than anything in Islam itself. What do you think is most important in Muslim terrorism?
Does Democracy Prevent Terrorism?
It has been argued that democracy helps prevent terrorism because the voting process gives people an outlet to express themselves - a role filled by terrorism under repressive, undemocratic governments. The truth, though, is that even democratic societies have spawned terrorist groups: the IRA in Ireland and the Baader-Meinhof Gang in West Germany are just two examples.
It has been argued that democracy helps prevent terrorism because the voting process gives people an outlet to express themselves - a role filled by terrorism under repressive, undemocratic governments. The truth, though, is that even democratic societies have spawned terrorist groups: the IRA in Ireland and the Baader-Meinhof Gang in West Germany are just two examples.
How Has the So-Called War on Terrorism Been Going?
The American government doesn't have to work hard to sell the idea that terrorism should be fought, but it has had to work overtime to argue that it's particular take on the war and its particular methods should be used. Do you believe the rhetoric coming from George W. Bush and his administration about how wonderful they are doing in their fight against terrorism by invading and occupying Iraq?
The American government doesn't have to work hard to sell the idea that terrorism should be fought, but it has had to work overtime to argue that it's particular take on the war and its particular methods should be used. Do you believe the rhetoric coming from George W. Bush and his administration about how wonderful they are doing in their fight against terrorism by invading and occupying Iraq?
Can America Spread Democracy Through Force of Arms?
Does America have a responsibility to spread democracy around the world, even by force if necessary? Quite a few conservatives today seem to think so, but this hasn't been the normal view through American history. Indeed, Americas Founders appear to have rejected it outright and disagreed with the one model where it was tried: France.
Does America have a responsibility to spread democracy around the world, even by force if necessary? Quite a few conservatives today seem to think so, but this hasn't been the normal view through American history. Indeed, Americas Founders appear to have rejected it outright and disagreed with the one model where it was tried: France.
Should The U.S. Torture And Abuse Prisoners In The War On Terrorism
The American Senate voted to ban torturing and abusing detainees, but not unanimously: nine Senators voted against the bill, thus effectively authorizing the American government to torture prisoners. Does this sound like the 'Christian' thing to do? They might think so: they all received high marks from the Christian Coalition in recent years.
The American Senate voted to ban torturing and abusing detainees, but not unanimously: nine Senators voted against the bill, thus effectively authorizing the American government to torture prisoners. Does this sound like the 'Christian' thing to do? They might think so: they all received high marks from the Christian Coalition in recent years.
Should Anti-Terrorism Laws Be Used To Intimidate Protester
Terrorist acts typically cause the government to write new laws to combat terrorism - but has it ever been the case that such laws are only used against terrorists? That doesn't seem to be the case. Prosecutors inevitably use these laws against other sorts of criminal activity or, even worse, against traditionally legal activity which the government doesn't like. It's an abuse of power and trust.
Terrorist acts typically cause the government to write new laws to combat terrorism - but has it ever been the case that such laws are only used against terrorists? That doesn't seem to be the case. Prosecutors inevitably use these laws against other sorts of criminal activity or, even worse, against traditionally legal activity which the government doesn't like. It's an abuse of power and trust.
Should the Guantanamo Bay Prison be Shut Down?
Prisoners at Guantanamo Bay have been locked up for upwards of four years in many cases, almost all without any access to any sort of legal counsel, diplomatic representatives, or family members. They haven't been officially charged with any crimes and they probably won't be subject to a standard criminal trial. Should all of this simply be ended?
Prisoners at Guantanamo Bay have been locked up for upwards of four years in many cases, almost all without any access to any sort of legal counsel, diplomatic representatives, or family members. They haven't been officially charged with any crimes and they probably won't be subject to a standard criminal trial. Should all of this simply be ended?
Can you Support the Troops Without Supporting the War?
The phrase "support our troops" is a common refrain in America, but what exactly does it mean? I think that many take it for granted that they understand what they are saying, but it can be argued that there are connotations lurking in the phrase that aren't consciously intended.
The phrase "support our troops" is a common refrain in America, but what exactly does it mean? I think that many take it for granted that they understand what they are saying, but it can be argued that there are connotations lurking in the phrase that aren't consciously intended.
Should Doctors Be Punished For Helping Torture?
Medical personnel are often responsible for assisting directly in torture because of their specialized knowledge of human biology and even more often responsible for fixing victims up afterward for more sessions later. This seems to have happened in Abu Ghraib and elsewhere. What should be done?
Medical personnel are often responsible for assisting directly in torture because of their specialized knowledge of human biology and even more often responsible for fixing victims up afterward for more sessions later. This seems to have happened in Abu Ghraib and elsewhere. What should be done?
Are Terrorists Just Psychopaths?
Why are some people willing to become suicide bombers? Well, we might as well ask why there are some soldiers willing to go on suicide missions. Why are some people willing to kill innocent people, including children, in terrorist acts? Should we even care?
Why are some people willing to become suicide bombers? Well, we might as well ask why there are some soldiers willing to go on suicide missions. Why are some people willing to kill innocent people, including children, in terrorist acts? Should we even care?
Is Al Qaeda Winng the War on Terrorism?
After the terrorist strikes on New York City and Washington, D.C., the U.S. retaliated with invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, replacing their governments. Has America come closer to achieving their goals than Al-Qaeda? Who is really winning the war on terrorism: America or the terrorists?
After the terrorist strikes on New York City and Washington, D.C., the U.S. retaliated with invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, replacing their governments. Has America come closer to achieving their goals than Al-Qaeda? Who is really winning the war on terrorism: America or the terrorists?
Should America Outsource Torture?
The 9/11 Commission called on the U.S. to 'offer an example of moral leadership in the world, committed to treat people humanely, abide by the rule of law, and be generous and caring to our neighbors.' The Republican response: propose a law that would allow the U.S. to send prisoners to other nations for torture.
The 9/11 Commission called on the U.S. to 'offer an example of moral leadership in the world, committed to treat people humanely, abide by the rule of law, and be generous and caring to our neighbors.' The Republican response: propose a law that would allow the U.S. to send prisoners to other nations for torture.
Was Saddam Hussein Involved in 9/11?
Was Saddam Hussein involved in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C.? Despite the absence of any evidence that he was, quite a few people believe just this. Even more interesting is the fact that a significantly larger percentage of Republicans than of the general public believe this.
Was Saddam Hussein involved in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C.? Despite the absence of any evidence that he was, quite a few people believe just this. Even more interesting is the fact that a significantly larger percentage of Republicans than of the general public believe this.
Is a Draft Coming to America?
There has been discussion of a possible draft in America we continue along the same course that we has been. Conservatives have reacted with outrage over the suggestion, but what are the facts of the situation, really?
There has been discussion of a possible draft in America we continue along the same course that we has been. Conservatives have reacted with outrage over the suggestion, but what are the facts of the situation, really?
Has Iraq Been Lost?
Things are going rather badly in Iraq, there can be no debate about that, but does this mean that Iraq has been lost? Not necessarily, but there are number of important military officials and veterans who are saying that Iraq is lost.
Things are going rather badly in Iraq, there can be no debate about that, but does this mean that Iraq has been lost? Not necessarily, but there are number of important military officials and veterans who are saying that Iraq is lost.
Have American Soldiers Committed War Crimes?
One thing that the torture and abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq should have taught everyone is that American soldiers are not above inhumane and brutal actions. Have their actions risen to the level of war crimes, though?
One thing that the torture and abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq should have taught everyone is that American soldiers are not above inhumane and brutal actions. Have their actions risen to the level of war crimes, though?
Should People Spy and Report on their Neighbors?
The American government has tried to get American citizens to spy and report on each other. One program would include truck drivers, tollbooth workers, rest-stop employees, and construction crews for an army of 400,000 informants. Is this a good idea?
The American government has tried to get American citizens to spy and report on each other. One program would include truck drivers, tollbooth workers, rest-stop employees, and construction crews for an army of 400,000 informants. Is this a good idea?
Are Sneak & Peak Searches Reasonable?
Under a provision of the Patriot Act, federal agents are allowed to enter your home, look around, and even seize items without having to tell you. Is this a justified use of police power to combat terrorism or is it instead the abuse of government authority?
Under a provision of the Patriot Act, federal agents are allowed to enter your home, look around, and even seize items without having to tell you. Is this a justified use of police power to combat terrorism or is it instead the abuse of government authority?
Why Do People Hate America?
American actions around the world have sparked an increasing tide of anti-American sentiment, but even if we grant that the criticisms of America's policies are generally accurate, does that adequately explain the anti-Americanism? What could explain anti-Americanism in the world today?
American actions around the world have sparked an increasing tide of anti-American sentiment, but even if we grant that the criticisms of America's policies are generally accurate, does that adequately explain the anti-Americanism? What could explain anti-Americanism in the world today?
What Justifies the Existence of War?
Defenders of war have used a number of different arguments to justify its continued existence: it promotes martial values, it promotes certain social values, it has great economic benefits, it has produced many scientific advances, and finally it has been argued that it is a necessary evil. Which, if any, of these do you find compelling?
Defenders of war have used a number of different arguments to justify its continued existence: it promotes martial values, it promotes certain social values, it has great economic benefits, it has produced many scientific advances, and finally it has been argued that it is a necessary evil. Which, if any, of these do you find compelling?
Are Preventive Or Preemptive Wars Just?
It has been argued that a preemptive war can be just in order to avert the worse consequences of doing nothing, and that is fair. The invasion of Iraq, however, was a preventive war, not a preemptive war. Do you believe that preventive wars are as just as preemptive wars?
It has been argued that a preemptive war can be just in order to avert the worse consequences of doing nothing, and that is fair. The invasion of Iraq, however, was a preventive war, not a preemptive war. Do you believe that preventive wars are as just as preemptive wars?
Should America Rely on Mercenaries?
There are more armed "civilian contractors" (mercenaries) in Iraq than there are British soldiers, making them the second largest fighting force in Iraq after the American military. Is the use of mercenaries - particularly so many of them - appropriate?
There are more armed "civilian contractors" (mercenaries) in Iraq than there are British soldiers, making them the second largest fighting force in Iraq after the American military. Is the use of mercenaries - particularly so many of them - appropriate?
Which is More Peaceful: Christianity or Islam?
Both violent and peaceful trends can be found in all religions, including Christianity and Islam. Today, however, Islam appears far more violent than Christianity because there seems to be less violence committed by Christians in the name of Christianity. But is Islam really a more violent religion?
Both violent and peaceful trends can be found in all religions, including Christianity and Islam. Today, however, Islam appears far more violent than Christianity because there seems to be less violence committed by Christians in the name of Christianity. But is Islam really a more violent religion?
Prospects for a Theocracy in Iraq
Although one of the reasons commonly offered to justify the American invasion of Iraq is that the people needed to be liberated from Saddam Hussein, there are concerns that the new government will be theocratic in nature - which isn't very liberating.
Although one of the reasons commonly offered to justify the American invasion of Iraq is that the people needed to be liberated from Saddam Hussein, there are concerns that the new government will be theocratic in nature - which isn't very liberating.
Why did America Really Invade Iraq?
Many different reasons have been offered to justify the American invasion of Iraq: to stop their production of weapons of mass destruction, to topple Saddam Hussein, to encourage the spread of democracy in the Middle East, etc. Which, if any, of the reasons used so far do you think were genuine?
Many different reasons have been offered to justify the American invasion of Iraq: to stop their production of weapons of mass destruction, to topple Saddam Hussein, to encourage the spread of democracy in the Middle East, etc. Which, if any, of the reasons used so far do you think were genuine?
How Do You Feel About the War on Terrorism?
Some people think that the invasion of Iraq was ultimately a distraction from the real war on terrorism and finding terrorists like Osama bin Laden. Others argue that getting rid of Saddam Hussein will lead to more democracy in the Middle East, reducing the thread of terrorism. What do you think?
Some people think that the invasion of Iraq was ultimately a distraction from the real war on terrorism and finding terrorists like Osama bin Laden. Others argue that getting rid of Saddam Hussein will lead to more democracy in the Middle East, reducing the thread of terrorism. What do you think?
Is Torture Justified in Extreme Cases?
The sight of Iraqi prisoners being abused at Abu Ghraib by American prisoners has intensified the debate over whether torture is ever justified, even if done to get information that would save many innocent lives. Would you approve the use of torture or even engage in torture yourself?
The sight of Iraqi prisoners being abused at Abu Ghraib by American prisoners has intensified the debate over whether torture is ever justified, even if done to get information that would save many innocent lives. Would you approve the use of torture or even engage in torture yourself?
When Would Torture Be Justified?
Some people argue that while torture is wrong, in extreme cases it would be justified to use torture in order to get information that would save large numbers of people. But how many innocent people would have to be at risk - one? A dozen? A thousand? A million? Where do you draw the line?
Some people argue that while torture is wrong, in extreme cases it would be justified to use torture in order to get information that would save large numbers of people. But how many innocent people would have to be at risk - one? A dozen? A thousand? A million? Where do you draw the line?
Was the Abu Ghraib Abuse Justified?
Many have expressed revulsion over how Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib were treated. Others have argued that the actions of American soldiers were either justified or simply weren't all that bad. Which of the two positions do you find most persuasive?
Many have expressed revulsion over how Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib were treated. Others have argued that the actions of American soldiers were either justified or simply weren't all that bad. Which of the two positions do you find most persuasive?
Is Saudi Arabia Helping or Fighting Islamic Terrorism?
Saudi Arabia has done a great deal to foster the growth of extremist Islam around the world. Currently they are supposed to be partners in the fight against the Islamic terrorism that has grown out of that extremism. Is Saudi Arabia really doing enough to fight terrorists or are they actually doing more to help them?
Saudi Arabia has done a great deal to foster the growth of extremist Islam around the world. Currently they are supposed to be partners in the fight against the Islamic terrorism that has grown out of that extremism. Is Saudi Arabia really doing enough to fight terrorists or are they actually doing more to help them?
Do Moderate Muslims Do Enough Against Islamic Extremists?
Something needs to be done about Islamic extremism and terrorism and moderate Muslims themselves must play a role. Are they doing enough, though? Should they be going more to make a case for a different sort of Islam or are they doing as much as they can, given their social and political circumstances?
Something needs to be done about Islamic extremism and terrorism and moderate Muslims themselves must play a role. Are they doing enough, though? Should they be going more to make a case for a different sort of Islam or are they doing as much as they can, given their social and political circumstances?
Will there be Peace in the Middle East?
The largest source of violence and conflict in the world today must be the Middle East - especially where Israel and the Palestinians are concerned. Will there be a peaceful settlement to all the various disagreements, or must there be a major war first?
The largest source of violence and conflict in the world today must be the Middle East - especially where Israel and the Palestinians are concerned. Will there be a peaceful settlement to all the various disagreements, or must there be a major war first?
Retaliating Against Terrorists: What Price?
There is, naturally, a desire to retaliate against terrorists and those who help them - but what if such retaliation causes innocent people to be harmed or killed? What price are we willing to pay for retribution?
There is, naturally, a desire to retaliate against terrorists and those who help them - but what if such retaliation causes innocent people to be harmed or killed? What price are we willing to pay for retribution?
September 11, 2001: Another Pearl Harbor?
Some say that the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. on September 11, 2001, were the modern generation's Pearl Harbor. Others, however, say that the analogy is a bit overblown - terrible as the attacks were, they weren't a Pearl Harbor. What do you think?
Some say that the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. on September 11, 2001, were the modern generation's Pearl Harbor. Others, however, say that the analogy is a bit overblown - terrible as the attacks were, they weren't a Pearl Harbor. What do you think?
Was it Right to Invade Iraq & Oust Saddam Hussein?
Hardly anyone thinks that Saddam Hussein was a good person and most agree that it is better for him to be out of power. Does that mean, however, that the United States was justified in invading Iraq to do it? Does it matter if no Weapons of Mass Destruction (the original reason for war) are ever found?
Hardly anyone thinks that Saddam Hussein was a good person and most agree that it is better for him to be out of power. Does that mean, however, that the United States was justified in invading Iraq to do it? Does it matter if no Weapons of Mass Destruction (the original reason for war) are ever found?
Should the US Have Had Warning About 9-11?
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, came as a massive surprise to people all around the world. The American government spends a lot of time and money gathering intelligence, however - so shouldn't they have had some sort of warning or indication about what was coming?
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, came as a massive surprise to people all around the world. The American government spends a lot of time and money gathering intelligence, however - so shouldn't they have had some sort of warning or indication about what was coming?
Are War Protestors Unethical or Unpatriotic?
Some people complain about those who protest against war - specifically, the war in Iraq. It is alleged that they are unpatriotic for not supporting the government and unethical for not supporting the troops who are risking their lives. Is this fair?
Some people complain about those who protest against war - specifically, the war in Iraq. It is alleged that they are unpatriotic for not supporting the government and unethical for not supporting the troops who are risking their lives. Is this fair?
Terrorism in Your Community - A Concern?
Terrorism has been a serious concern in many communities around the world for some time now. Recently, the threat of terrorist attacks seems to have increased. Are you concerned about terrorism where you live, or isn't it really an issue for you?
Terrorism has been a serious concern in many communities around the world for some time now. Recently, the threat of terrorist attacks seems to have increased. Are you concerned about terrorism where you live, or isn't it really an issue for you?
Exchanging Freedom for Security: How Much?
An increase in security almost always means less freedom and less convenience for the people being protected - but how much less is too much? Surely there is a point at which the increased security isn't worth the loss in freedom and liberty. How much would you give up in order to feel safe?
An increase in security almost always means less freedom and less convenience for the people being protected - but how much less is too much? Surely there is a point at which the increased security isn't worth the loss in freedom and liberty. How much would you give up in order to feel safe?
Is Iraq Another Vietnam?
Is Iraq George W. Bush's Vietnam? Senator Edward Kennedy says so - and conservatives have decried the comparison, saying that Kennedy doesn't want America to win in Iraq. Is that criticism justified? Defenders of Kennedy argue that he was making a very different comparison about honesty and secrecy.
Is Iraq George W. Bush's Vietnam? Senator Edward Kennedy says so - and conservatives have decried the comparison, saying that Kennedy doesn't want America to win in Iraq. Is that criticism justified? Defenders of Kennedy argue that he was making a very different comparison about honesty and secrecy.
Who is Responsible for Abu Ghraib?
Most people are horrified at the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib, but there is a lot of disagreement over the responsibility. Many conservatives blame American culture while many liberals blame poor direction from the administration. Here are some of the options being argued - what do you think?
Most people are horrified at the abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib, but there is a lot of disagreement over the responsibility. Many conservatives blame American culture while many liberals blame poor direction from the administration. Here are some of the options being argued - what do you think?
Should Israel Kill Terrorist Leaders?
In an effort to fight terrorism, Israel has been going after the leaders of terrorist organizations, like Hamas. They hope that killing terrorist leaders will reduce terrorist attacks. Critics argue that this only inflames opinion and will make things worse. Who is right?
In an effort to fight terrorism, Israel has been going after the leaders of terrorist organizations, like Hamas. They hope that killing terrorist leaders will reduce terrorist attacks. Critics argue that this only inflames opinion and will make things worse. Who is right?
Should there be better security at US airports?
In the wake of the September 11, 2002 terrorist attacks, security at American airports was tightened. At least, that was the goal - it didn't always happen, but it did lead to more waiting. There are also plans that might infringe on people's privacy. Do you think that security is tight enough?
In the wake of the September 11, 2002 terrorist attacks, security at American airports was tightened. At least, that was the goal - it didn't always happen, but it did lead to more waiting. There are also plans that might infringe on people's privacy. Do you think that security is tight enough?
Did you ever have any connection to the World Trade Center?
The World Trade Center towers were icons of America. Many worked there and, over the years, many more visited. Did you ever visit, work at, know someone who worked at, or have any other sort of personal connection to the building destroyed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks?
The World Trade Center towers were icons of America. Many worked there and, over the years, many more visited. Did you ever visit, work at, know someone who worked at, or have any other sort of personal connection to the building destroyed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks?
Will the 9/11 terrorist leaders be caught?
Various government agencies, including the military, have been working to capture anyone responsible for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. High on their lists is Osama bin Laden, leader of Al-Qaeda. Will these terrorists ever be caught?
Various government agencies, including the military, have been working to capture anyone responsible for the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C. High on their lists is Osama bin Laden, leader of Al-Qaeda. Will these terrorists ever be caught?