Initiating Questions:

1. Does a reporter have the right to keep sources secret?

2. What is a reporter's responsibility to his or her sources?

3. What is the role of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency?

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the claim being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department?
   
   
   
   
2. What led to the charge Ambassador Wilson is making against the White House regarding Iraq?
   
   
   
   
3. Why do Democrats feel that Attorney General John Ashcroft should not lead the leak investigation?
   
   
   
   
4. According to CIA analyst Larry Johnson, how could leaking the name of a CIA agent endanger her?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Research the laws that protect journalists from revealing their sources. Do these laws still hold up in matters of national security? Should Robert Novak be forced to reveal the names of the White House officials who gave him the information about Ambassador Wilson's wife?

2. Can you think of instances when high school journalists might have to consider some of the issues raised by this story?

Write a 300-500 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.