Want to receive regular updates about Room for Debate discussions? Subscribe to our main RSS feed or follow us on Twitter. Interested in just one topic -- education, for instance, or politics? Subscribe to the feed for that topic by clicking on the link under Discussion Topics and receive alerts just for forums on that subject. Want to follow the twists and turns of one debate? Subscribe on that discussion page.
Updated December 21, 2013 10:28 AM
For Peace in Syria, Will Assad Have to Stay?
Is it time to acknowledge Assad will not be removed soon and plan for Syria's future with him?
Recent Discussions
-
December 19, 2013
Has Snowden Been Vindicated?
Do criticisms of N.S.A. programs by a presidential panel and a federal judge show that Edward Snowden is a principled whistleblower?
-
December 18, 2013
The History and Lessons of Congressional Crises
What can the current United States Congress learn from its past breakdowns?
-
December 17, 2013
One Man, One Woman. Or More.
Should courts recognize a right to plural marriage among consenting adults?
-
December 16, 2013
Finding Classroom Rigor in a Global Curriculum
Should more U.S. high schools offer International Baccalaureate programs?
-
December 15, 2013
Developing Cures or Hyping Up Demand?
Can drug companies' influence over treatments for conditions like A.D.H.D. be reduced?
-
December 12, 2013
Does Europe Need Ukraine?
Is Kiev a key ally to the European Union, or just a potential trading partner and a buffer against Russia?
-
December 11, 2013
Should Democracies Have Monarchs?
Thailand's king was once seen as a steadying hand in the nation's rocky politics. But does that kind of intervention help or …
-
December 10, 2013
Math and Science for More Than Just Geeks
How can science, technology, engineering and math courses be made more interesting and attractive?
-
December 9, 2013
The End of Cash
Despite digital alternatives, most holiday shoppers this year are wielding credit cards, debit cards and cash. Is there a better way?
-
December 8, 2013
From Memos to Mistletoe
How can we make the most out of the American workplace tradition that is the office holiday party?
-
December 5, 2013
The Public Pension Problem
Are government retirees being forced to pay for a pension fund crisis caused by bad investments and Wall Street fees? If so, …
-
December 4, 2013
Making Low Wages Livable
What can be done to improve the living standards of workers at the bottom of the pay scale?
-
December 3, 2013
Life in a Mobile Nation
If people relocate over and over, because they can afford to or because they can't afford not to, how does that change …
-
December 2, 2013
Is Wall Street Too Giddy?
Are we in a stock market bubble that could soon burst?
-
December 1, 2013
State of the (European) Union
What can be done to improve Europe's socioeconomic health and prospects for the future?
-
November 28, 2013
How Will AIDS Be Eradicated?
In the U.S. and around the world, there are obstacles to prevention and treatment. How will they be overcome?
-
November 27, 2013
The New Pope’s New Direction
What does Pope Francis’s exhortation tell us about his priorities and plans? What obstacles will he face?
-
November 26, 2013
Home for the Holidays
Is it better for families to air their differences or avoid them?
-
November 25, 2013
U.S. Relations With Iran Thaw, and Allies Shiver
If the United States continues to become more engaged with Iran, how would that affect relations with other allies in the region?
-
November 24, 2013
What We’ve Learned From Nafta
Has Nafta proved to be a success that the United States should try to replicate more widely or the type of trade …
-
November 22, 2013
What the Filibuster Rule Changes, and What It Doesn’t
What are the likely effects of the Senate's decision to limit filibusters?
-
November 21, 2013
Sex, Violence and R Ratings
What is important when it comes to rating movies for audiences both young and old?
-
November 20, 2013
Racism in the Age of Obama
Have racial tensions in the U.S. changed since Obama was elected? For better or for worse?
-
November 19, 2013
Sanctions’ Successes and Failures
When do sanctions work? And when do they do more harm than good?
-
November 18, 2013
Natural Disasters or ‘Acts of God’?
When the law and people of faith refer to an event as an "act of God," is that constructive or a distraction?
-
November 17, 2013
When Medical Experts Disagree
How should doctors and patients react to the latest findings that come out about health concerns? How do you know whom to …
-
November 14, 2013
Is Nuclear Power the Answer?
A group of climate scientists want environmentalists to see nuclear power as a way to combat climate change. Are they on to …
-
November 13, 2013
Should Politicians’ Spouses Shape Policy?
Bill de Blasio and his wife, Chirlane McCray, have always worked as a team. But are there pitfalls for voters and officials …
-
November 12, 2013
Rethinking Parent-Teacher Conferences
Should schools bring parents in more often? Less often? Or try a whole new approach?
-
November 11, 2013
Why Do Female Chefs Get Overlooked?
Why do female chefs rarely win the adulation and recognition of male chefs?
About Room for Debate
In Room for Debate, The Times invites knowledgeable outside contributors to discuss news events and other timely issues. Reader comments are moderated Monday through Friday.
Suggest a Forum Idea
Room for Debate welcomes suggestions from readers: What questions should we be asking? Please e-mail us your ideas for debates, as well as experts whose insights you'd like to read.
Subscribe
- Room for Debate RSS
- Topic feeds are available from the topic pages.