Want to receive regular updates about Room for Debate discussions? Subscribe to our main RSS feed or follow us on Twitter. Interested in just one topic -- education, for instance, or politics? Subscribe to the feed for that topic by clicking on the link under Discussion Topics and receive alerts just for forums on that subject. Want to follow the twists and turns of one debate? Subscribe on that discussion page.
Terrorism
-
November 6, 2015
Do Secret Cabals Rule More Than the Imagination?
Is there a secret “deep state” in Middle East nations that undermines democracy, or has it helped maintain stability and fight extremism?
-
September 21, 2015
Can Russia Really Be a Partner to Bring Peace to Syria?
Can Russia be an ally in stabilizing Syria and fighting ISIS or is it too closely tied to the Assad regime?
-
September 2, 2015
What’s the Greatest Threat to U.S. National Security?
The president says it's nuclear terrorism. The Pentagon says it's Russia. The F.B.I. says it's the Islamic State.
-
June 24, 2015
Homegrown Hate
How should we deal with the threat of domestic extremists, like the kind who inspired Dylann Roof?
-
June 1, 2015
Can Victory Be More Than a Mirage?
ISIS's persistence has dashed hopes for Iraqi success and challenged the power of foreign arms.
-
May 18, 2015
Iraq, Bad Intelligence or a Lesson in Bad Policy?
Was Iraq a unique foreign policy disaster caused by bad intelligence or is it a warning about aggressive military action that's still …
-
April 24, 2015
Should a Court Approve All Drone Strikes?
Would civilian casualties be reduced if judges reviewed proposed drone attacks before they were launched?
-
April 1, 2015
Is Yemen America’s Fight?
Should the United States avoid getting involved -- even indirectly -- in regional efforts to fight the Houthis in Yemen?
-
February 24, 2015
Terror and the Palestinian Authority
How will a $655.5 million verdict against the Palestinian Authority and the P.L.O. in six terror attacks affect their future?
-
January 12, 2015
When Jihadists Come Home
How should Western governments treat their citizens who return after training with Islamic extremists?
-
January 10, 2015
When Satire Cuts Both Ways
Can satirists sometimes be too provocative and outrageous? Should they hold themselves back?
-
December 21, 2014
Do We Need the C.I.A.?
Would the security needs of the United States be better served if the agency were dismantled?
-
October 9, 2014
Defenders of the Faith
How should Muslims respond to the threat of extremism within Islam?
-
September 15, 2014
Going to War With the Allies You Have
Is the coalition in the fight against ISIS reliable enough?
-
September 2, 2014
Is ‘Don’t Do Stupid Stuff’ the Best Foreign Policy?
Is caution and deliberation rather than quick action a better way to serve the national interest in a treacherous world landscape?
-
August 28, 2014
Homegrown Terrorists and the West
What can be done to stop young Muslims from adopting radical views and joining militant groups?
-
June 15, 2014
How to Stabilize Iraq and Stop the March of ISIS
What can be done to stabilize Iraq and stop the gains from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria?
-
June 2, 2014
Dealing With the Enemy
Is it proper for the United States to swap prisoners with extremist groups given the possibility that the freed inmates could once …
-
May 26, 2014
Reining In the N.S.A.
Is legislation to limit collection of phone records strong enough to protect privacy, or should more be done to limit surveillance?
-
April 24, 2014
Can Hamas-Fatah Unity Lead to Mideast Peace?
Will a reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas improve the chances of Arab-Israeli peace, which have dimmed as U.S.-backed talks foundered?
-
April 20, 2014
Conflict Spreads in Central Africa
Could religious extremism and terrorism spread through the region?
-
April 16, 2014
Living in the Grip of Vigilance
Has fear come to play too big a role in government policy and the level of protection Americans seek?
-
April 10, 2014
Telling a U.N. Envoy to Stay Home
Should the United States deny a visa to Iran's next ambassador to the United Nations because he was involved with the 1979 …
-
March 4, 2014
Fighting Afghan Terrorism, Without Troops
If the U.S. and NATO pull all troops out, how can the international community minimize the risk of a terrorist resurgence?
-
January 27, 2014
Stability Versus Democracy in Egypt
Is a military government the best path to stability and progress in Egypt?
-
January 22, 2014
Fighting Extremism on a Broader Level
Instead of putting out fires following every disaster fueled by sectarian violence, what can world leaders do to fight extremism on a …
-
January 20, 2014
How to Compensate Victims of Terrorism
Sometimes the U.S. government sets aside money for victims of mass violence. More often, survivors and families pursue lawsuits and receive private …
-
December 19, 2013
Has Snowden Been Vindicated?
Do criticisms of N.S.A. programs by a presidential panel and a federal judge show that Edward Snowden is a principled whistleblower?
-
September 30, 2013
Does Al Shabab Pose a Threat on American Soil?
The militant Somali group responsible for the mall attack in Nairobi has become more sophisticated. What does that mean for the U.S.?
-
August 7, 2013
When Ransoms Pay for Terrorism
Families and employers are afraid to refuse paying ransoms. What else can be done to combat the terrorist networks in North Africa?
About Room for Debate
In Room for Debate, The Times invites knowledgeable outside contributors to discuss news events and other timely issues. Reader comments are moderated Monday through Friday.
Suggest a Forum Idea
Room for Debate welcomes suggestions from readers: What questions should we be asking? Please e-mail us your ideas for debates, as well as experts whose insights you'd like to read.