IMPORTANT:  Before answering questions, read the information under "background" and "resources" below, and visit the links to gain a better understanding of this issue. 

1.  a) Who is Hosni Mubarak? 
b) What change did Mr. Mubarak make to his opinion on the best way for Egypt to deal with Hamas?

2.  Why is believed to be the reason for Mr. Mubarak's change of heart?

3.  What would Israel like Jordan and Egypt to do about the West Bank and the Gaza Strip?

4.  Why do many Israelis caution against negotiating with Fatah's Mahmoud Abbas? (answer found in paragraphs 7 & 10)

5.  a)  How much money does the U.S. government give to Egypt each year for military aid?
b) Why do you think we give Egypt this money?
c) How much has Congress threatened to withhold from Egypt?  Why?

6.  Should the U.S. and Israel refer to Abbas and his Fatah party as moderates?  Explain your answer.