Story: Bush Nomination Challenges United Nations: 03/30/05
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june05/bolton_3-30.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. Who has President Bush nominated to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations? Why is his nomination controversial?

2. What does Bolton's nomination say about the current administration's opinions of the United Nations?

3. Who has criticized the Bolton nomination? Why?

4. The United Nations is in the midst of two scandals at the moment. What are they?

5. How has U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan suggested changing the international organization?

Discussion Questions (more research might be needed):

1. Do you think that John Bolton is a good choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations? Why or why not? If yes, how would you address his critics?

2. Research the goals and mission of the United Nations. What is the international institution doing well? What should it improve? What changes would you recommend making? Why? Explain your answer with clear examples.

3. What role should the United States play in the United Nations? How does being the only superpower impact this role?

Send your answers, in essay form, to extra@newshour.org for possible publication!