THE QUESTION
The U.S. Congress has approved broad authority for American intelligence agencies to monitor global communications that transit the U.S. Is this surveillance justified if it helps stop terrorist operations?
FROM THE PANEL
Undermines Basis of War on Terror
The decision to grant such broad surveillance authority is bad for democracy, violates individual privacy and deals a crushing blow to civil liberties. Without oversight, it opens the door to abuse. And it is unjustified -- undermining the very democracy that the war on terror supposedly seeks to protect.
William M. Gumede South Africa |
6 COMMENTSAug 13, 2007 at 8:10 AM
Track Record Doesn't Inspire Confidence
In 1892, the writer of the Pledge of Allegiance decided against including "equality" along with "liberty and justice for all." In today's post-9/11 world, have we still failed to grasp what this concept means? I have watched some of the most patriotic Middle Eastern immigrants I know wrongly accused of crimes -- later shrugged off as intelligence "mistakes."
Vivian Salama USA/Middle East | 94 COMMENTSAug 10, 2007 at 7:52 AM
U.S. Should Be Example of Citizen Rights
There are strong arguments for and against the new law. U.S. law enforcement agencies are actually behind their European counterparts in the scope of eavesdropping on terror suspects. But Europe is not the ideal standard. America should be a shining example of a country that treats citizens' rights as the cornerstone of civil society.
Helena Luczywo Warsaw, Poland | 12 COMMENTSAug 10, 2007 at 7:34 AM
Just a Way to Sell Gizmos to Politicians
Of course the tradecraft of shady operations has to evolve over time. To the extent that such a law is implemented properly, the cost-benefit ratio might merit some approval of these surveillance powers. But it's hard to envision the sifting through of ones and zeros being implemented properly, guarding against the temptations of political manipulation.
Ali Ettefagh Tehran, Iran | 21 COMMENTSAug 8, 2007 at 9:35 AM
Like Torture, "If" Is the Key Word
The second part of the question almost answers itself. "Is this surveillance justified if it helps stop terrorist operations?" If surveillance were actually to be proven successful in stopping terrorism and saving lives, it would be hard to argue against it. But the real issue is that we don't -- can't -- know whether it does or doesn't.
Bill Emmott Great Britain | 15 COMMENTSAug 8, 2007 at 9:04 AM
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