Intelligence Squared: There is No Justification for Risking Australian Lives in Afghanistan
As each name is added to the growing list of Australians killed serving in Afghanistan, the government assures the nation that the sacrifice in lives has been for a good cause and in the national interest. But what is the national interest that justifies such a terrible cost? Is this the price of our alliance with the United States? Is this the price of helping to curb the terrorist threat? Is this the price of national honour?
Some believe that the price must be paid in the service of such causes. Yet others find no consolation in claims of national interest; condemning the loss of Australian lives far from home.
Arguing for the proposition are Kellie Tranter, Raoul Heinrichs and Eva Cox. Arguing against the proposition are Sonia Ziaee, Jim Molan and Peter Singer.
Finally, before the outcome of the vote is announced, the audience are invited to ask the panel their questions.
Who?
Eva Cox
Eva Cox has been an academic, political adviser, public servant, and runs a small research and policy consultancy. A sociologist by trade, she promotes ideas widely and eclectically in books, on line, in journals and other media.
Raoul Heinrichs
Raoul Heinrichs is a scholar, editor of the Lowy Institute’s Strategic Snapshots and former foreign and security adviser to Kevin Rudd while in opposition.
Jim Molan
Jim Molan is a retired major-general of the Australian armed forces who, from 2004, oversaw a multinational force of some 300,000 troops in Iraq as the country undertook the first democratic elections after the fall of Saddam Hussein.
Peter Singer
Peter Singer is a philosopher and author of over 25 books on ethics. He is best known for Animal Liberation, widely credited with starting the animal rights movement.
Kellie Tranter
Kellie Tranter is a lawyer and commentator who ran as an Independent candidate for the NSW seat of Maitland.
Sonia Ziaee
Sonia Ziaee is an Afghani businesswoman, Flinders University student, and Afghani student community activist.
