1.  Look up the following words in your dictionary.  Write the definition that is closest to how the word is used in the article: 
(from paragraph #1) bipartisan, censure, regime, restrictions
(from paragraph #2) mandated
(from paragraph #3) designated, statute, waive
(from paragraph #5) sanctions
(from paragraph #9) negotiations
(from paragraph #10) incremental

2.  What is the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA)?  When was it signed into law?  Who signed it?

3.  What does the IRFA say the White House must do to "countries of particular concern"?  What option does the president have to these actions?

4.  Why isn't the Bush administration enforcing the IRFA at this time, according to Senator Brownback?  What does Senator Brownback mean when he says "we have to push the Saudis harder even if that has some impact on the terrorism"?

5.  What does the State Department's 2004 Report on Religious Freedom say about Saudi Arabia?
The U.S. Commission on International Freedom (USCIF) was established by the IRFA.  From the USCIF's website, give specific examples of how Saudi Arabia violates religious freedom.

6.  Who is Ms. Bansal?  What action does she suggest the U.S. take in response to Saudi Arabia's violation of religious freedom?

7.  Re-read paragraph #13.  What 2 things does the first sentence tell you about the right to vote in Saudi Arabia?

8.  What do you think is the most effective way to convince Saudi Arabia to stop persecuting people for expressing their religious beliefs?  Be specific.