Afghanistan Debate: What Should the U.S. Policy be in Afghanistan?

From the Brown University Choices Unit “Afghanistan”:

In this unit, students read about the complex issues that affect the United States in Afghanistan. The issues raise some important questions about U.S. policy in the region. Students had an opportunity to consider three distinct options for U.S. policy in Afghanistan. Each of the options is based on a distinct set of values and beliefs. Students used the options as a tool designed to help them better understand the contrasting strategies that people in the United States may use to create policy.

Students were in four groups: Option 1, 2, 3, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the U.S. Senate. The option groups prepared their statements and the Committee members read through all the option material and came up with questions to ask the groups.

After they considered the three options, students considered their own beliefs and opinions about where U.S. policy should be heading in Afghanistan. In their reflections they weighed the risks and trade-offs of their policy decisions.