2.+Debate

=Debate Topic:=

"This House believes that Operation Neptune Spear was an Outright Infringement of Pakistani National Sovereignty." Discuss.
=Guiding Questions:=
 * To what extent are the actions of the US Navy Seals in Pakistan justified?
 * Do the actions of the CIA constitute an act of outright disrespect to Pakistan?
 * Is there a better alternative to the course of action taken by the CIA and Navy Seals?
 * How will this change the influence of the US or Pakistan on the world stage?
 * Should countries be allowed to act on foreign soil without first notifying them, even if it is for a greater cause?

=Panellists:= (Against) || Gave the go-ahead for the operation and also ruled out involving the Pakistanis in the operation due to the concern that the sucess of the mission could be compromised || (Against) || Informed Pakistan's Army Chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani only after the operation was over. Believes that Operation Neptune Spear was a necessary action taken by the US, and that this mission was in line with a previous agreement where the Former President of Pakistan had previously allowed US to conduct raids against al-Qaeda’s leaders. || (Against) || Believes that the operation against bin Laden was an act of national self-defense and a form of justice done for the innocents murdered on September the 11th.
 * Panellist || Point of View ||
 * President of the United States, Barack Obama
 * Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Michael Mullen
 * Attorney General, Eric Holder

Argues that the strike was a legitimate military action against terrorists and does not contravene international law. || (For) || Argues that operation was a clear violation of Pakistani sovereignty as the US herself emphasized that the efforts against terrorism be done in accordance with international law, human rights, and humanitarian law.
 * Prime Minister of Pakistan, Yousaf Raza Gilani

Opined that the attack was an unauthorized unilateral action taken by the US, and that Pakistan will respond with full force should similar events occur. Believes that "no one should underestimate the resolve and capability of our nation and armed forces to defend our sacred homeland." || (For) || Agrees that the move by the US was an infringement and denies that the Pakistani government had previously made a secret agreement permitting US forces to conduct unilateral raids in search of the top three al-Qaeda leaders. || (For) || Denies some Pakistani officials assertion that the operation was a joint operation. Also states that US officials did not share information about the raid with the government of Pakistan until it was over; the operation was conducted entirely by US forces. ||
 * Former President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf
 * President of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence, Asif Ali Zardari

=The Debate Proceedings:=
 * 1) All students, including the panelists, are to move to the front of the class to ensure a conducive environment for discussions.
 * 2) The Chairman of the session will commence the Current Affairs session once the class is settled down. He is to provide an introductory brief on the issue and cover the resources posted on the Wikispace (10 minutes).
 * 3) The Panelists will give their opinions on the issue for 3-5 minutes each. At this stage, questions should not be fielded to the Panelists (25 minutes for 6 panelists).
 * 4) Discussion to be opened to the floor. The Chairman and Panelists will continue contributing and responding to comments. Panelists should stay in character throughout the session (15-20 minutes).
 * 5) The Chairman will conclude the debate with a brief summary. If time permits, student observers are to give their opinions & feedback regarding the session. (5-10 minutes).

//*note: students are expected to have gone through the relevant resources provided beforehand, so as to be familiar with the topic at hand.//