Introduction

In recent months, the United States has killed many of the principal figures in the al Qaeda network, including Osama bin Laden (al Qaeda's founder and leader), Atiyah Abd al Rahman (al Qaeda's second in command), and Abu Hafs al Shahri (al Qaeda's chief of operations in Pakistan). The elimination of these and other high profile figures has weakened al Qaeda, and some analysts suggest that the organization may be near collapse. At the same time, however, these targeted killings have exposed two of the most troubling legal problems facing the United States. First, are these targeted assassinations and drone attacks legal under the U.S. Constitution and international law? And, second, what does the U.S. do with those suspected terrorists who have been captured and detained rather than killed in the field. This second question returns international attention to the controversial military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

Optional Assignment

If you would like to improve your grade at the end of the semester, then you may answer the following two questions in a Microsoft Word document. Please include citations with your work. All assignments are due by midnight on December 13. If you choose not to complete the exam, then your grade will not be affected in any way by this assignment.

1) How have targeted assassinations and drone attacks aimed at suspected terrorists been debated in the last twelve months. Be very specific. A brief introduction to this issue may be found on the Council on Foreign Relations website . However, you should do a thorough review of the national news using the New York Times and other reputable websites.

2) What did President Barack Obama promise to do with the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on his second day in office, and why has it been difficult for him to accomplish the task he set for his administration? A brief introduction to the issue may be found on the Council on Foreign Relations website. However, you should do a thorough review of the national news using the New York Times and other reputable websites.

You should answer these two questions separately and provide 500 to 1000 words on each topic. Remember citations are mandatory. Plagiarized work will result in a failing grade.

Due Date

If you choose to complete this final exam, then you must place your completed work in the final exam dropbox by midnight on December 13. No late assignments will be accepted.