***(Editor’s Note: In an effort to promote more dialogue among our readers, “The Thirsty Quill” will run a special series entitled “Open Court” each week. Typically these questions/prompts will run in conjunction with a controversial issue or ‘hot topic,’ while others may be entirely random and cover a more obscure subject altogether. Regardless, the aim of these questions/prompts will be to encourage more debate, dialogue, and discussion among readers of ‘The Quill.’)***

“Open Court” Question of the Week:

Last week President Obama was asked whether or not he believed the United States was winning the war in Afghanistan. President Obama answered emphatically, “no,” and suggested that “reaching out” to the remaining elements of the Taliban may be in our best interest. All of this comes despite the overthrow of the Taliban by United States forces, the establishment of a constitutional government, voting rights for women, and new freedoms for the citizens of Afghanistan that have been achieved by six years of American influence and intervention. However, Al Qaeda still operates in the region, and the hunt for Osama bin Laden is ongoing. Do you believe that the Commander-in-Chief was correct in his assessment, tone, and delivery?