Story: President Remains Committed to New Iraq Plan Despite Critics, 1/16/07
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june07/troops_1-16.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. When did President Bush announce his new plan for Iraq? What is one of the main elements of this new plan?

2. What is sectarian violence?

3. How does sectarian violence impact U.S. policy in Iraq?

4. What are some different responses Democrats have to the president's plan?

5. What has been the response to the plan by Republicans?

6. How has the president responded to critics of his new Iraq plan?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with President Bush's new plan for Iraq? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.

2. The Democrats are in control in Congress. They have mentioned several responses to the president's plan, including cutting off funds or non-binding resolutions. What impact will either plan make? Are they good ideas or not? Explain your answer.

3. What is your prediction about the war in Iraq? What will the situation be in five years?

Write a 300-500 word essay on either 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.