Story: Italian Checkpoint Death Stirs Safety Debate, 03/09/05
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june05/checkpoints_3-09.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What incident created diplomatic tensions between the United States and Italy?

2. Who is Giuliana Sgrena and what was her reaction to the incident?

3. How did White House officials explain the incident?

4. How has the Italian government reacted to the incident?

5. What are military checkpoints and why are they dangerous?

6. According to Fred Abrahams of Human Rights Watch, why are so many people killed at checkpoints?

7. How does a former platoon commander counter Abrahams' argument?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. After reading the article, why do you think checkpoints are so violent? What, if anything, can be done to improve their safety?

2. How might checkpoints damage relations with Iraqis? What can be done to repair relations?

3. Giuliana Sgrena said the U.S. troops purposefully targeted her because the military opposes Rome's practice of negotiating with kidnappers. Should governments negotiate with kidnappers? Should they pay ransoms? What are the implications of your answer? Explain.

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.