Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What significant event occurred in the Middle East Sunday?

2. Who is Abbas and why might he have the support of many in the international community?

3. How has Israel responded to Abbas' victory in the Palestinian election?

4. What will be one of Abbas' most difficult tasks?

5. When did Palestinians last hold a presidential election? Why is this election significant?

6. How has the United States responded to the Palestinian elections?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. According to senior Fatah leader Ahmed Ghnaim, "The most important thing is not the winner. The most important thing is to see the Palestinian people committed to the principle of democracy." Do you agree? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.

2. President Bush said the elections were a "historic" step toward a Palestinian state. Why does the U.S. have an interest in creating peace between Palestinians and Israelis?

3. Why is it important that Abbas rein in armed militant groups? What might happen to the peace process if he is unable to do that? Why?

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.