1.  Why is the deal that was made with North Korea on its nuclear program this week being criticized?

2.  a) Who is John Bolton? 
b) What did Mr. Bolton say about the agreement with North Korea? (For what reasons is he critical of the agreement?)

3.  a) Define leverage and sanctions.
b) How has the U.S. given up financial leverage?

4.  a) Describe the deal made between North Korea and the other members of the Six Parties: The U.S., South Korea, Japan, Russia and China.
b) What problem is already apparent when comparing Tony Snow's statement about the agreement with the statement made by North Korea's government-run news agency?

5.  a) Who is Henry Sokolski?
b) For what reasons is Mr. Sokolski critical of the agreement with North Korea?

6.  The biggest problem with the agreement made with North Korea this week is that in the past the North Korean government had promised to give up its nuclear program in exchange for financial aid and other assistance, and then not only refused to hold up its end of the bargain, but actually built and tested nuclear weapons. When asked what happens if North Korea violates the agreement, White House spokesman Tony Snow told reporters, "if the North Koreans cheat on the agreement, they are still liable to Chapter VII sanctions under U.N. Security Council resolutions."  What do you think of the current agreement with North Korea?  Will it work?  Explain your answer.

For a clear explanation of the history of North Korea's nuclear program, read John Podhoretz's commentary at NYPost.com.