Story: Congo War Claims 1,000 Lives Per Day, 01/12/05
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june05/congo_1-12.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. According to the International Rescue Committee, where is the most deadly place in the world? Why?

2. How many people are dying there and why?

4. Who was Laurent Kabila and what was his role in the conflict in Congo?

5. What happened to Laurent Kabila?

6. What is the current political situation in the region?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Why is it important to know about conflicts occurring far away from you and around the world? Explain your answer.

2. Research the U.S. government's response to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. What is the government doing? Should it be doing more? Why or why not?

3. How can you help people suffering in the Congo, either through education or other means?

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.