Debating Iraq
Pre-listening Discussion Questions: National Security Strategy

1. Are containment and deterrence still relevant defense strategies in the post-Cold War era?

(Links for Containment: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/gergen/kennan.html, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/bomb/peopleevents/pandeAMEX57.html)

(Deterrence: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/reagan/filmmore/reference/primary/security.html)

2. How have America's foreign policy priorities evolved since 9-11? Discuss.

3. In your view, what are the strengths and risks of President Bush's preemptive strike policy proposal? Should the U.S. make a preemptive strike against Iraq if the Iraqi regime refuses to allow U.N. inspectors in? Why or why not?

(Link: National Security Strategy of the USA: http://www.whitehouse.gov/nsc/)
(Link: Online NewsHour http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/iraq/index.html)