NOTE to students: Before answering the questions, read the “Background” and watch the video under “Resources” below.

1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. a) What country is 29-year-old Ahmad Khan Rahimi from?
b) How does Rahimi view himself, according to prosecutors?

3. a) What charges were brought against Rahimi?
b) Of how many of the charges was he found guilty?

4. Describe the evidence brought against Rahimi.

5. How was he captured?

6. For what reason did Rahimi’s lawyer ask the court to acquit Rahimi?

7. Rahimi is from Afghanistan. Why was he granted citizenship?

8. How the U.S. should deal with terrorists who commit attacks in the U.S.:

a) What do you think: Should terrorists be tried in criminal court, or - if a citizen as a traitor or if a non-citizen as an enemy combatant? Explain your answer.
b) Read the “Background” below the questions. Consider the practice of banishing or exiling a person from a country. One reader suggested that the penalty for committing a terrorist act in the U.S. should result in exile/banishment from the U.S. for the terrorist’s entire family as a way to deter terrorists from committing such acts. What do you think? Should Congress pass some type of law like this?
c) Ask a parent the same questions.