Using NewsHour Extra Feature Stories

Story: Continued Sectarian Violence in Iraq Leaves Scores Dead, 02/28/06
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/jan-june06/iraq_2-28.html

Initiating Questions:

1. What is a civil war? What is the difference between violence and a civil war?

2. What are some different groups in the United States and what holds them together as a country?

3. Name some countries that have survived civil wars. How does a civil war end?

Reading Comprehension Questions: (click here for printout)

1. What prompted an outbreak of sectarian violence in Iraq?

2. Who is blamed for the bombing of the Golden Mosque?

3. Name some of the different religious groups in Iraq?

4. Which group represents the majority of Iraqis?

5. Who are the Sunnis?

6. What is de-Baathification?

7. Why did Sunnis boycott Iraqi elections?

8. Why do Sunnis feel marginalized?

9. What suggestions have been made to resolve the problem?

11. What is a "national unity government"?

10. What did the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq warn would happen if the new government were sectarian?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Name 5 internationally recognized buildings that have symbolic importance and explain what they symbolize.

2. Imagine the Capitol Dome in Washington, D.C. was attacked and destroyed. Even if no one were killed, would the attack lead to calls for revenge? Write an essay explaining why or why not.

3. Can democracy succeed in Iraq? Write an essay explaining your answer.

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.