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Is Authoritarianism Justified in Central Asia?
The Uzbek regime of President Islam Karimov argues that its increasingly repressive measuresincluding incarceration of political opponentsare necessary to effectively combat terrorism. International human rights organizations and their supporters, meanwhile, contend that the government is using terrorism as an excuse to stifle dissent and maintain absolute power. Given the volatility of the region, do you think the Karimov government is justified in maintaining a tight rein over the activities of the country’s citizens and international organizations operating there?
Same-sex Marriage and the U.S. Constitution
In February 2004, President Bush entered the debate over same-sex marriage in the United States by announcing his support for a constitutional amendment codifying marriage as between a man and a woman only. Amendment supporters say a constitutional ban is necessary to forestall “activist judges” from allowing same-sex couples to wed, which they claim would weaken the institution of marriage. Opposition comes from across the ideological spectrum, ranging from disapproval of altering the constitution to the belief that gays and lesbians should have equal marriage rights. What do you think about the proposed amendmentand about same-sex marriage in general?
Civil Liberties/USA Patriot Act
Some observers believe that the USA Patriot Act and other U.S. antiterrorism laws passed in the wake of September 11, 2001 have had the effect of restricting all Americans’ civil rights and liberties. Do you think this is true? Have you personally experienced any direct or indirect repercussions, either positive or negative, from such policies?
Iraq Reconstruction
The U.S. government has only recently sought limited international assistance and advice regarding the reconstruction of Iraq following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. What do you think of U.S. policy so far in Iraq? And what do you think should be changed in the future, if anything?
Prisons in the United States
Some two million people are currently in prison across the United States, one of the world’s highest incarceration rates. Some observers believe that higher levels of incarceration are necessary and appropriate because they lead to lower crime rates. Others argue that such levels are inherently discriminatory against minorities and are the result of aggressive detention of low-level offenders who need rehabilitation, such as drug treatment programs. What do you think?