1.  What is the United Nations (U.N.)?  (For background, click here.)

2.  Who is John Bolton?  Who is Kofi Annan?

3.  The U.S. (one of 191 member countries) contributes approximately 20% of the U.N.'s budget.  In 2004 U.S. contributions to the U.N. totaled over $1.5 billion.
For what reason did Mr. Bolton threaten to cut funding to the U.N.?

4.  Why is a map without Israel so serious a matter to John Bolton?  View photos of the map at EyeOnTheUN.org.

5.  How did the following people respond to Mr. Bolton's letter and warning?
-the head of the U.N., Kofi Annan
-a U.N. spokesman, Stephane Dujarric
-the Palestinian observer to the U.N., Riad Monsour

6.  Re-read your answer to question #1.  Does the U.N. fail in its commitment?  Explain your answer.