Today's Question Category Archive: International affairs
How do you think the United States and other countries should respond to the situation in Syria?
Posted at 5:00 AM on February 3, 2012
by Eric Ringham
(14 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government
As Syria's violent crackdown on rebels and dissidents continues, the U.N. Security Council is unable to agree on a course of action. Today's Question: How do you think the United States and other countries should respond to the situation in Syria?
What sorts of action to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons would be justifiable?
Posted at 5:00 AM on January 13, 2012
by Eric Ringham
(42 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Science/Technology, Security
Some in Iran are blaming Israel and the United States for the assassination Wednesday of an Iranian nuclear scientist. The United States has denied any involvement, but some Western observers believe Americans are involved in a covert campaign to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Today's Question: What sorts of action to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons would be justifiable?
Was President Obama right to allow indefinite detention of citizens without due process?
Posted at 5:00 AM on January 9, 2012
by Eric Ringham
(47 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
Late last year, President Obama signed a defense spending bill that provides for indefinite military detention of anyone suspected of terrorism, including American citizens. The law has sparked widespread criticism from civil-liberties groups and others. Today's Question: Was President Obama right to allow indefinite detention of citizens without due process?
What do you think of President Obama's plan for a leaner military?
Posted at 5:00 AM on January 6, 2012
by Eric Ringham
(70 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
President Obama laid out his vision Thursday for a leaner military more reliant on sea and air power. While his strategy would be aimed at maintaining overall military superiority, it would no longer require that the United States be prepared to fight two ground wars simultaneously. Today's Question: What do you think of President Obama's plan for a leaner military?
What's likely to be the lasting legacy of the war in Iraq?
Posted at 5:00 AM on December 19, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(37 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
The last U.S. troops left Iraq on Sunday, ending a war that began more than eight years ago. Today's Question: What's likely to be the lasting legacy of the war in Iraq?
Should support for gay rights around the world be part of U.S. foreign policy?
Posted at 5:00 AM on December 8, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(27 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government
The Obama administration has announced that a focus of U.S. foreign policy will be to promote the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people abroad. Today's Question: Should support for gay rights around the world be part of U.S. foreign policy?
What should be the goal of U.S. policy toward Pakistan?
Posted at 5:00 AM on November 29, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(40 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
Relations between Pakistan and the United States continue to deteriorate, following the deaths of two dozen Pakistani soldiers in NATO airstrikes. Pakistan has closed supply routes into Afghanistan and ordered a CIA drone base shut down. Today's Question: What should be the goal of U.S. policy toward Pakistan?
Does a comparison of Iraq and Libya offer any valid lessons for U.S. policy?
Posted at 5:00 AM on October 21, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(37 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
Some critics of the U.S.-led war in Iraq are pointing out that regime change in Libya was accomplished at lower cost and with no loss of American lives. Today's Question: Does a comparison of Iraq and Libya offer any valid lessons for U.S. policy?
How should the U.S. government respond to the alleged Iranian terrorist plot?
Posted at 5:00 AM on October 12, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(31 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
U.S. officials announced Tuesday that they had thwarted a plot by Iranian terrorists to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States. The announcement said that the Iranian government was involved in the plot to kill the ambassador and bomb the Saudi Embassy. Today's Question: How should the U.S. government respond to the alleged Iranian terrorist plot?
How much do you care about keeping a connection to your ancestral homeland?
Posted at 5:00 AM on October 11, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(40 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, International affairs
More than 16 percent of the Minnesota population claims Norwegian ancestry, which may help explain interest in the current visit by the king and queen of Norway. Today's Question: How much do you care about keeping a connection to your ancestral homeland?
After 10 years, how do you see the Afghan war?
Posted at 5:00 AM on October 7, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(43 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
The U.S.-led war in Afghanistan began 10 years ago today. A recent poll suggests that one in three veterans of the post-9/11 period considers the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan not worth the sacrifice. Today's Question: After 10 years, how do you see the Afghan war?
What circumstances justify the use of military force against an individual?
Posted at 2:15 PM on September 30, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(17 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
Civil libertarians are objecting to the U.S. missile attack Friday that killed Anwar al-Awlaki, an American citizen who is believed to have played an important role in Al-Qaida. Authorities believed Al-Awlaki had gone from a propaganda role to being increasingly involved in armed operations for the terrorist group.
Last year, the Obama administration added Al-Awlaki to a list of people the CIA should try to kill or capture, a move that prompted protests from his family and a lawsuit from the ACLU. The suit argued that, as an American, Al-Awlaki was entitled to due process of law before he could be deprived of life or liberty. The suit was dismissed.
As the ACLU pointed out on Friday, Al-Awlaki was killed in Yemen, not on a battlefield. It said the attack amounted to the execution of an American citizen.
Today's Question: What circumstances justify the use of military force against an individual?
Is it time for Palestine to become an independent state?
Posted at 11:11 AM on September 23, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(36 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas formally asked the United Nations today to grant Palestine status as a member state. Today's Question: Is it time for Palestine to become an independent state?
How should the United Nations change to become more effective in promoting international peace?
Posted at 5:00 AM on September 21, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(20 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
World leaders are gathering this week at the United Nations, where the General Assembly is in session from now until December. Today's Question: How should the United Nations change to become more effective in promoting international peace?
How did the attacks of 9/11 change your life?
Posted at 5:00 AM on September 9, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(56 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
Thousands lost their lives and many more lost family and friends, but the terrorist attacks of 9/11 affected people all over the world in different ways. Today's Question: How did the attacks of 9/11 change your life?
How should the international community help Libya form a new government?
Posted at 5:00 AM on August 23, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(17 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
President Obama said Monday that the United States would help Libya establish a democracy to replace the regime of Moammar Gadhafi. Today's Question: How should the international community help Libya form a new government?
What do you think of the president's plan for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan?
Posted at 5:00 AM on June 23, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(30 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
Last night, President Obama announced an Afghanistan strategy that reduces troop strength faster than some in his administration would like. Today's Question: What do you think of the president's plan for withdrawing troops from Afghanistan?
What's the best way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian dispute?
Posted at 5:00 AM on May 24, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(36 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government
President Obama says he wants to resume work on a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. He favors a two-state solution drawn roughly along the lines of Israel's 1967 borders. Today's Question: What's the best way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian dispute?
How does the killing of Osama bin Laden affect your view of harsh interrogation techniques?
Posted at 5:00 AM on May 5, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(25 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Religion/Ethics, Security
The Bush-era debate over so-called harsh interrogation techniques has flared anew with the death of Osama bin Laden. Both critics and defenders of methods like waterboarding claim that the successful effort to find Bin Laden vindicates their point of view. Today's Question: How does the killing of Osama bin Laden affect your view of harsh interrogation techniques?
Would you have preferred that Osama bin Laden had been brought to trial?
Posted at 5:00 AM on May 3, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(68 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Religion/Ethics
Some readers and listeners have told us they wish U.S. forces had been able to capture Osama bin Laden so he could have faced trial. Today's Question: Would you have preferred that Osama bin Laden had been brought to trial?
Do the lives of the royals interest you?
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 28, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(55 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, International affairs, Politics/Government
There is speculation that the wedding of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton could draw an even bigger worldwide audience than that of William's parents in 1981. Today's Question: Do the lives of the royals interest you?
What principles should guide the disposition of Guantanamo's inmates?
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 26, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(13 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
Newly leaked documents suggest that a number of detainees released from the Guantanamo Bay detention camp had been previously classified as high risk. Today's Question: What principles should guide the disposition of Guantanamo's inmates?
What should be the U.S. goal in Libya?
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 4, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(17 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government
President Obama has ruled out regime change as a goal of the NATO intervention in Libya. But others insist that the coalition effort will be a failure if Moammar Gadhafi remains in power. Today's Question: What should be the U.S. goal in Libya?
Should presidents have to seek congressional approval before sending forces into conflict?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 23, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(36 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
Critics from both parties question President Obama's use of U.S. forces in Libya without seeking congressional approval. They point out that the Constitution gives Congress authority to declare war. Today's Question: Should presidents have to seek congressional approval before sending forces into conflict?
Is supporting the Libyan rebellion in the vital interest of the United States?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 18, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(32 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
A vote by the U.N. Security Council cleared the way Thursday for the United States and its allies to begin military intervention in Libya. Today's Question: Is supporting the Libyan rebellion in the vital interest of the United States?
What's the future of nuclear power?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 15, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(36 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, Health, International affairs
Minnesota legislators have voted to lift the state's ban on new nuclear power plants. But that was before the crisis in Japan, where several reactors have been crippled following last week's earthquake. Today's Question: What's the future of nuclear power?
Should the United States use its military to intervene in Libya?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 8, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(46 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
In Libya, Moammar Gadhafi is using aircraft against his own people. Voices in the U.S. Senate and elsewhere are calling for a no-fly zone over Libya to stop him. Today's Question: Should the United States use its military to intervene in Libya?
How should the world community respond to the bloodshed in Libya?
Posted at 5:00 AM on February 24, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(26 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
The regime of Libyan strongman Moammar Gadhafi has reacted violently to street protests. Hundreds have been killed and Gadhafi himself has vowed to die in his effort to hang onto power. Today's Question: How should the world community respond to the bloodshed in Libya?
How should the United States react to events in Egypt?
Posted at 2:15 PM on January 28, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(9 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government
Protesters continue to battle police in several Egyptian cities. The demonstrators are calling for an end to the 30-year-rule of President Hosni Mubarak. Today's Question: How should the United States react to events in Egypt?
Should the activities of WikiLeaks be protected as free speech?
Posted at 5:00 AM on December 10, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(37 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
Some members of Congress have suggested that the WikiLeaks website should be prosecuted for distributing classified information. Today's Question: Should the activities of WikiLeaks be protected as free speech?
Do Afghanistan's future prospects justify the expenditure of American lives and resources?
Posted at 5:00 AM on December 6, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(16 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
Classified diplomatic documents circulated last week describe an Afghan government beset by corruption at the highest levels. Today's Question: Do Afghanistan's future prospects justify the expenditure of American lives and resources?
Is the defense of South Korea a vital U.S. interest?
Posted at 5:00 AM on November 29, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(14 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
After the exchange of artillery fire between North and South Korea last week, President Obama reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to South Korea's defense. Today's Question: Is the defense of South Korea a vital U.S. interest?
What should be the U.S. stance toward Iran?
Posted at 5:00 AM on October 27, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(23 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
Iran has begun loading fuel into its first reactor, but has refused to allow inspectors to verify that its nuclear program is peaceful. Today's Question: What should be the U.S. stance toward Iran?
Should the United States consider austerity measures similar to Europe's?
Posted at 5:00 AM on October 21, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(20 Comments)
Filed under: Economy, International affairs, Politics/Government
Great Britain is making deep cuts in spending to avoid bankruptcy. France is suffering widespread strikes and demonstrations over a bid to raise its retirement age to 62. Today's Question: Should the United States consider similar austerity measures?
Has President Obama lived up to his Nobel Peace Prize?
Posted at 5:00 AM on October 8, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(34 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government
When President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize a year ago, he said he would accept it as "a call to action" on the world's problems. Today's Question: Has President Obama lived up to his Nobel Peace Prize?
Is it a good idea to pay foreign governments to release American prisoners?
Posted at 5:00 AM on September 15, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(15 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
Iran says it received a bail payment of half a million dollars before it released the American hiker who was freed Tuesday. Today's Question: Is it a good idea to pay foreign governments to release American prisoners?
How has 9/11 changed your view of the world?
Posted at 5:00 AM on September 10, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(31 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
This weekend marks the ninth anniversary of the terror attacks of September 2001. Today's Question: How has 9/11 changed your view of the world?
What do you want to see next in Iraq?
Posted at 5:00 AM on August 31, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(23 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
President Obama will address the nation tonight and mark the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq. Today's Question: What do you want to see next in Iraq?
Is the release of classified information about the Afghan war a good thing?
Posted at 5:00 AM on July 27, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(26 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
The unauthorized release of classified material about the war in Afghanistan has painted a bleak picture of that effort. Today's Question: Is the release of classified information about the Afghan war a good thing?
Should Americans hear directly what's on a general's mind?
Posted at 5:00 AM on June 23, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(30 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government, Security
The commander in charge of the Afghanistan war is in trouble for being openly critical of the Obama administration. Today's Question: Should Americans hear directly what's on a general's mind?
What does the World Cup mean to you?
Posted at 5:00 AM on June 11, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(18 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, International affairs
Beginning today, hundreds of millions of people around the globe will be watching the World Cup soccer tournament. Today's Question: What does the World Cup mean to you?
Does Israel remain a good strategic partner for the United States?
Posted at 5:00 AM on June 3, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(46 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
Israel's attack on a boat carrying supplies to Gaza resulted in nine deaths and a diplomatic crisis. Today's Question: Does Israel remain a good strategic partner for the United States?
How should America memorialize the war in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Posted at 5:00 AM on May 31, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(7 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, International affairs
Visitors to Washington can see a variety of war memorials, covering conflicts of varying size and duration. Today's Question: How should America memorialize the war in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Is President Obama's foreign policy hurting us abroad?
Posted at 5:00 AM on May 21, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(32 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government
A debate aired today on Midday inspires Today's Question: Is President Obama's foreign policy hurting us abroad?
When and how should children learn about the Holocaust?
Posted at 6:25 AM on April 15, 2010
by Steve Mullis
(16 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
An act of Congress sets aside "Days of Remembrance" this week to commemorate the Holocaust. Some states require Holocaust education, but Minnesota doesn't. Today's question: When and how should children learn about the Holocaust?
Should the world's nuclear countries work toward eliminating such weapons?
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 9, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(13 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
The United States and Russia have agreed to a new weapons treaty that if ratified will lead to modest cuts in nuclear arsenals. Today's Question: Should the world's nuclear countries work toward eliminating such weapons?
Are you confident that you know how our forces conduct themselves abroad?
Posted at 5:00 AM on April 7, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(25 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
A graphic and disturbing video released Monday shows an American helicopter attack in Iraq in which 12 adults were killed and two children wounded. The dead included two journalists. Today's Question: Are you confident that you know how our forces conduct themselves abroad?
After seven years, how has the Iraq war changed America?
Posted at 5:00 AM on March 19, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(23 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
The Iraq war began on March 19, 2003. Today's Question: After seven years, how has the Iraq war changed America?
What moment from this year's Winter Games will live in your memory?
Posted at 5:00 AM on February 26, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(9 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
The 2010 Winter Olympic Games conclude this weekend, after what the Olympic Committee's president describes as "16 days of magic." Today's Question: What moment from this year's Winter Games will live in your memory?
Would you rather watch the Olympics live during the day, or in the evening on tape?
Posted at 5:00 AM on February 22, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(12 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, International affairs
In an effort to boost its prime time ratings, NBC is limiting web and cable coverage of live events at the Olympics. As a result, fans have to watch some of their favorite events on tape delay, hours after they conclude. Today's Question: Would you rather watch the Olympics live during the day, or in the evening on tape?
Does Internet access rise to the level of a human right?
Posted at 5:00 AM on January 25, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(11 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Science/Technology
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week invoked Winston Churchill and Ronald Reagan in a major speech on Internet freedom. She said all humanity must have equal access to knowledge and ideas. Today's Question: Does Internet access rise to the level of a human right?
Comments texted to MPR:
You should be able to go where ever you want on the Internet. It is a human right. -anonymous
Everyone should get the Internet in America. No other country should get it though. -anonymous
What are you doing to respond to the catastrophe in Haiti?
Posted at 5:00 AM on January 15, 2010
by Eric Ringham
(22 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
The Haitian earthquake has taken an immense toll on a country that was struggling already. On Thursday President Obama announced an initial pledge of $100 million to support relief efforts. What are you doing to respond to the catastrophe in Haiti?
What ought to be the next steps on climate change?
Posted at 6:00 AM on December 21, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(16 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, International affairs
The climate change conference that concluded last week in Copenhagen showed how hard it is to get the world community to agree on a course of action. What ought to be the next steps on climate change?
What standards should govern the use of force?
Posted at 6:00 AM on December 11, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(10 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
In accepting the Nobel Peace Prize Thursday, President Obama said that "all nations - strong and weak alike - must adhere to standards that govern the use of force." What should those standards be?
Will you be paying attention to the Copenhagen climate talks?
Posted at 6:00 AM on December 7, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(35 Comments)
Filed under: Environment/Energy, International affairs, Science/Technology
Today marks the start of the Copenhagen climate change conference, where government officials from around the world will try to reach a deal on a common strategy. Will you be paying attention to the Copenhagen climate talks?
Comments texted to MPR:
Yes, and I hope our world's leaders will put aside industry and national loyalties and be bold enough to agree to meaningful treaties for the good of this earth and all its citizens. -Angela, Bemidji, MN
Climate change is not on my radar on a day to day, minute to minute basis. Water meters in the bathroom or power meters in living areas would help. -Erik, Minneapolis, MN
Do you agree with President Obama's decision to send more troops to Afghanistan?
Posted at 6:00 AM on December 2, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(42 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
Last night, the president laid out his strategy for the Afghan war. Do you agree with President Obama's decision to send more troops to Afghanistan?
Comments texted to MPR:
I hate to see more troops die. I hate war. But I support the president completely and trust him to end the insanity. -Alli, Albert Lea, MN
Yes I support the President. As long as there's no torture and after Afghanistan no more Orwellian type wars. -John, Moorhead, MN
I support the President. We paid the price on 9/11 for abandoning Afghanistan the first time. We are paying the price again for abandoning them again in 2002 when we took on Iraq. We must not walk away from these people a third time or will pay for dearly for it yet again. -Dan, Richfield, MN
How can the United States and China best cooperate in world affairs?
Posted at 6:00 AM on November 17, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(6 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
During his current visit to Asia, President Obama has said that the United States does not fear a rising China and seeks stronger ties with the developing superpower. How can the United States and China best cooperate in world affairs?
Should the United States send more troops to Afghanistan?
Posted at 6:00 AM on October 14, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(25 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government
Gov. Tim Pawlenty says he believes President Obama should send more troops to serve in Afghanistan, both to "complete the mission" and to protect those already there. Should the United States send more troops to Afghanistan?
Does President Obama deserve the Nobel Peace Prize?
Posted at 9:15 AM on October 9, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(77 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Politics/Government
The announcement from Oslo this morning that President Obama has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, so early in his term, was a surprise to many observers -- apparently even in the White House. Does President Obama deserve the Nobel Peace Prize?
What would a Chicago Olympics mean for the Midwest?
Posted at 6:00 AM on October 1, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(8 Comments)
Filed under: Culture, Economy, International affairs
Members of the International Olympic Committee will vote Friday on the city that will host the 2016 Games. Among the contenders is Chicago, with strong support from Barack and Michelle Obama. What would a Chicago Olympics mean for the Midwest?
My husband is a trucker and he hates driving through Chicago now because of congestion. The Olympics are really going to make a bigger mess of that city. -Mechelle, Lake Park, MN
Share your reply in the comments: What would a Chicago Olympics mean for the Midwest?
How can President Obama strengthen America's image abroad?
Posted at 6:00 AM on September 23, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(9 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs
America's image has improved in most parts of the world, reflecting global confidence in Barack Obama. This week at the United Nations, he's pursuing a busy agenda, focusing on climate change, peacekeeping and nuclear proliferation, among other issues. How can President Obama strengthen America's image abroad?
Showing the people of the rest of the world that the United States of America is a country open and willing to engage in a meaningful dialogue about critical issues the world is facing today. By arguing for changes - however unpopular - in the US and elsewhere that signal a commitment to a fair and equal treatment of domestic and foreign affairs. The promotion of a scientific and rational approach to solving key problems, i.e. energy conservation, preservation of nature or improvement of living standards will also improve the image America is projecting. -Christian Schardt, Aachen, Germany
The U.S. is unique in the world in taxing its citizens regardless of where they live and thus forces foreign banks to play by their rules, even if they have no activities in the US. Imagine the government of Denmark telling the Bank of Chicago to provide it with account details of Danish citizens living in the US. Should a local bank be required to provide proper tax documentation for all 200 countries in the world? The result is that US citizens living abroad are no longer welcome customers. The US insists on unilaterally setting the rules and enforcing laws even extraterritoriality. Far from being a beacon of freedom, the US has become a place of arbitrary unfair rules and laws and a place to avoid. -Karl Steinke, Cham, Switzerland
Barack Obama is on the verge of an age of enlightenment for the American people. Soon we will hopefully top thinking as an island nation and acknowledge that we are a global community. This will represent a major shift in the world's perception of America. He is also bringing a depth of sincerity and integrity to his global partners, in terms of respect for earth's resources, both human in terms of justice and equality, and but natural, embracing the entire environment of all life forms and issues ranging from the air we breathe to the land we develop and the food we eat. His vision is holistic; we have little option than to embrace it. -Tony Barr, Island Lake, IL
By giving up America's long-standing practices of meddling in other countries' affairs and conducting pointless wars. This means withdrawing from Afghanistan and Iraq as soon as possible and leaving the policing of the world to regional allies in the very few cases when such policing is necessary. -Karen Sandness, Minneapolis, MN
The American image had changed overnight on November 4, 2008 almost in the entire world. Despite the drone attacks which were universally hated in Pakistan till Baitullah Mahsud was killed Obama continues to be immensly popular . The President can further strengthen America's image in the Muslim World by: a) announcing the strategy that US would focus on Power Policing and would leave Afghanistan as soon as an effective Afghan Police Force is established; b) annouce that America would be an honest broker in resolving Middle East Conflicts and c) Support the idea of a Nuclear Free Middle East. -Shahid Akhtar, Toronto, Canada
America needs to focus on America! If Americans can 't manage to bring a civilized health care system into being, or to address local poverty and crime, or to take leadership on reforming the curent system of corporotacracy, overhauling a failed financial system and meeting its future energy needs without depending on wars and bullying, then it has no moral high ground anywhere. -Steve Racz, Murchison, New Zealand
As an American living overseas I have regularily experienced the skepticism that too many citizens of the western democracies have regarding what they viewed as an Oil Grab in Iraq. It is time now to point out to the world that the US did not cut and run when the going got tough as most of these people advocated and instead saw the job through to insure that stability came to a country that has had none in nearly 30 years. He could clarify what we have done for the economy and the people of Iraq-and that 5 years on it proves our policy was not about an "oil grab". Using Iraq as a standard he can then explain our hopes for Afganistan. -Tom Hughes, Auckland, New Zealand
Best ways I can think of... Publicly reduce funding to Israel while increasing funding to Palestine and while on a visit, openly criticize the wall. Visit Brazil and India for "economic summits" as well as other developing economies, specifically S. America and SE Asia. When visiting Asia, begin the trip by visiting Thailand, Malaysia, or another ASEAN country before visiting China or Japan and spending the time discussing whatever is important to both countries. Finally, he shouldn't ignore Africa. Not just with regards to issues but also with Air Force One. -Chris Allen, Muncie, IN
After 2 terms of the W administration, all Obama really need do is NOT be George Bush. The smug indifference and self-righteousness of the previous administration did more to damage the American image abroad than any other factor, and Obama's refreshing intelligence, articulateness and sincere attempts to be non-partisan is like tall, cool glass of spring water to a person lost in the desert for 8 long, seemingly unending years. -Sean Earl, Hong Kong, China
As a citizen of the United States who has chosen to live in Canada, I feel that Pres. Obama has a very difficult task in this regard. His primary task, as I see it, is to speak and act reasonably, and I feel that he is doing an excellent job of this. However, the thoughtful and polite demeanor that he has brought to such issues as health care seems to be drowned out by the over-emotional "anti-socialist" rhetoric used by his opposition. No matter how reasonable President Obama is, that image is negated by a United States Representative shouting, "YOU LIE!" at him. -Jack Arnold, Merrickville, Ontario, Canada
By admitting, and demonstrating this admission, that the US is not the ONLY country in the world, and that despite its power and influence, it is willing to allow other cultures to be other cultures (except of course when other cultures begin to spread anti-Western sentiment within WESTERN boundaries). I think the world has had enough of......"Well, we're the USA...what we say goes". Gimme a break...... -Ken Macdonald, Mulgrave, Nova Scotia, Canada
Take decisive action on climate change by passing cap and trade legislation. Someone has to go first. Someone has to lead. The closer we get to Copenhagen the more it looks like the meeting will be a talkfest washout - he has the power to implement change that other countries will follow. -Philippa Courtney, Brisbane, Australia
Follow through by closing Quantanamo by the end of the year as promised. There are few things that would show the world more convincingly that the dark days of the previous administration's illegal and immoral behavior are behind us, and, in my opinion, few things that would be met with more relief in other countries. -Larry Johnson, Beaverton, ORShare your reply in the comments: How can President Obama strengthen America's image abroad?
Is victory in Afghanistan worth the cost?
Posted at 6:00 AM on September 22, 2009
by Eric Ringham
(23 Comments)
Filed under: International affairs, Security
As President Obama considers whether to send more troops to Afghanistan, the American general in charge of allied forces is warning that, without more troops, the war may end in failure. Is victory in Afghanistan worth the cost?
Afghanistan is "the graveyard of empires". It will be ours too. Obama should get us out now! -Steve, Maple Grove, MN
First, what IS victory in Afghanistan? -Robert, New Brighton, MN
Why isn't the government Identifying the funding sources for the insurgents in Afghanistan? Why isn't the Federal Government addressing those funding sources? This is an 8 year conflict that requires big financial commitments. The money does not fall from the sky. It comes from somewhere. What stopped the German War Machine in WWII was cutting off their access to oil. The bombing of factories hardly slowed the conflict at all. As soon as the energy resources were controlled the Germans had little opportunity to continue in the conflict. The money is the oil of this conflict. Stop the cash and that will end a lot of the insurgents' opportunity to resist. Mr Bush's Doctrine was that any country supporting terrorism was in conflict with the US. -Tim Brandon, Minneapolis, MN
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