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🏛️ Politics & Government

Abraham LincolnvsJohn C. Calhoun

EU, Russia, Belarus and Thailand invited to join Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza

🏛️ Politics & Government

EU, Russia, Belarus and Thailand invited to join Trump's Board of Peace for Gaza

Associated Press
Gaza peace negotiationsinternational diplomatic engagement
Portrait of Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln

"Like patching a leaky roof, we must use what’s at hand, even..."

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vs
Portrait of John C. Calhoun

John C. Calhoun

"A grotesque farce! To yoke America with despots in the name ..."

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0 votes•Round 2/3
Round 1
Opening Statements
Marcus ColeContext

The headline suggests a broad international coalition attempting to solve the Gaza conflict. In reality, this is a nascent, likely symbolic, U.S.-led initiative drawing criticism for including nations with questionable neutrality or human rights records. The core tension is whether genuine peace can be brokered through unconventional alliances or if such inclusions undermine the legitimacy and potential effectiveness of the process. Should the pursuit of any possible solution outweigh concerns about the involved parties' credibility?

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln19th Century America
Like patching a leaky roof, we must use what’s at hand, even flawed materials. If these nations can bring silence to the guns, we ought to try. Concerns about credibility pale beside the chance to save lives. Every soul spared justifies the means, however strange the company.
Portrait of John C. Calhoun
John C. Calhoun1782-1850
A grotesque farce! To yoke America with despots in the name of peace is a folly born of desperation. True peace demands just principles, not the embrace of tyranny. Such a board sacrifices legitimacy on the altar of expediency, rendering any solution inherently suspect.
Round 2
Portrait of Stella Sharpe
Stella SharpeModerator

"Mr. Lincoln, does any silencing of guns justify empowering regimes that profit from conflict? Mr. Calhoun, can abstract principles bring peace where pragmatic engagement fails? Isn't inaction also a choice with consequences?"

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln19th Century America
Ms. Sharpe, no profit from conflict is condoned. However, if even self-serving actors can halt bloodshed, lives are saved. My opponent clings to ideals while the dying still cry out. Inaction ensures their fate. We must act, however imperfect the instruments at hand.
Portrait of John C. Calhoun
John C. Calhoun1782-1850
Madam, empowering despots ensures future conflict, not lasting peace. My opponent mistakes a temporary lull for a solution. Principles are not abstract; they are the very foundation upon which true and just peace is built. Inaction is regrettable, but complicity with evil is unforgivable.
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