civilized debate makes a reappearance

IQ2US (Intelligence Squared), a newly created forum for live debate (based on a successful program across the Pond), is sponsoring a series of Oxford-style debates (”one motion, one moderator, three advocates for the motion, three against”) in New York City—four this fall and four next spring—on some hot button-topics. For example, on October 18, this will be interesting:

Freedom of expression must include the license to offend

Speaking for the motion: Philip Gourevitch, Christopher Hitchens, Signe Wilkinson
Speaking against the motion: David Cesarani, Daisy Khan, Mari Matsuda
Moderator: Jeffrey Toobin

A democratically-elected Hamas is still a terrorist organization

Speaking for themotion: Daniel Ayalon, Steven A. Cook, John OSullivan
Speaking against the motion: Stanley L. Cohen, Mahmoud Mohamedou, Mark Perry
Moderator: Judy Woodruff

Hollywood has fueled anti-Americanism abroad

Speaking for the motion: James Hirsen, Roger Kimball, Joshua Muravchik
Speaking against the motion: Robin Bronk, Robert Greenwald, Richard Walter
Moderator: Bernard Weinraub