The private security contractor Blackwater USA, is at the center of controversy surrounding the "outsourcing of war," following their alleged involvement in the shooting deaths of 17 Iraqi civilians on September 16.

Blackwater USA is also making headlines in San Diego over their proposal to build a training facility of San Diego's backcountry community of Potrero.

The Sept. 16 incident has created a partisan debate: Democrats say the use of security contractors has created a shadow military force that does not have enough accountability to the U.S. government. Republicans say they are a necessary part of the war and provide a vital layer of security.

What do you think?

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As military operations continue in Iraq and Afghanistan, and forces are stretched thin, there are wide-spread talks about reinstating a military draft. In June, for the second month in a row, the Army fell short of its recruiting goal, despite its recent lower recruiting standard.

Those who support a draft argue current troop levels are not sufficient to sustain the U.S. in possible future confrontations. Those opposed say the U.S. has a powerful military because its members freely choose to serve, and that drafting young people and committing them to combat could create an army of amateurs.

Should the U.S. reinstate the military draft?

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America at a Crossroads is a major public television event that explores the challenges confronting the post-9/11 world -- including the war on terrorism; the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan; the experience of American troops serving abroad; the struggle for balance within the Muslim world; and global perspectives on America's role overseas. The series aims to create a national dialogue.

In his State of the Union speech Tuesday night, President Bush addressed troop increases in Iraq as well as domestic issues like health care, immigration and alternative energy.

What did you think of the speech? Will an increase in troops stabilize Iraq? What did you think about his focus on domestic issues?

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Dec. 6 Update: President George W. Bush has given no specific timetable for withdrawing troops from Iraq, promising to stay as long as it takes to get Iraqi security forces ready. But the bipartisan Iraq Study Group says U.S. policy "is not working."