Intelligence Squared U.S. bring together the world's leading authorities for an exciting battle of ideas, wit and persuasion in a series of provocative and timely debates. Think twice as opposing panels challenge your convictions on some of the most crucial issues our nation faces today. Best of all, your vote decides who carries the day.
“The intellectual jolt I get from having to ride the current of these powerful arguments is like nothing I've experienced.”John Donvan
On September 23, 2011, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appeared before the U.N. General Assembly to request full membership for the State of Palestine. America’s veto power renders their bid largely symbolic, but there could be leverage gained-- like indirect recognition of statehood-- in the process. After 20 years of failed talks with Israel, can this plea to the international community be the only path left to a two-state solution, or have the Palestinians set the peace process back by bypassing negotiations?
For the motion:
Mustafa Barghouti-Former Palestinian National Authority Presidential Candidate
Daniel Levy-Former Israeli Government Negotiator & J Street Co-Founder
Against the motion:
Dore Gold-Former Israeli U.N. Ambassador & Advisor to PM Netanyahu Dore Gold
Aaron David Miller-Former U.S. Mideast Negotiator, Advised Six Secretaries of State
John Donvan, correspondent for ABC News Nightline, moderates the IQ2US debate series. The debates are held live here at the Skirball Center, broadcast on NPR and WNET/Thirteen and available for download through iTunes.
Visit Intelligence Squared U.S. for more information on these political debate events including photos, videos and transcripts.
Intelligence Squared U.S. Debate Packages are currently available in sets of five tickets to the Spring 2012 series. Dates and tentative debate topics are:
Spring 2012
January 10 | The U.N. should admit Palestine as a full member
February 7 | Obesity is the government’s business
March 13 | China does capitalism better than America
April 17 | The internet is making us more politically narrow minded
May 8 | Ban college football
*Please note - in remaining current and relevant, debate topics and motions are subject to change.
