1.  Who is Army General John Abizaid? (Click here for a photo.)
When does General Abizaid believe that the "tide of battle" in Iraq will improve?

2.  Senator Hillary Clinton said yesterday that the Bush administration plan to stay "until the job is done" has meant that the Iraqis lack an incentive to take control.  How does Gen. Abizaid's view differ from that of Sen. Clinton?  With which view do you agree?  Why?

3.  What groups make up "the Beltway"?  What problem does Gen. Abizaid have to deal with in the Beltway that he doesn't experience in the Middle East or with civilian audiences?  Why do you think this is so?

4.  Why is Gen. Abizaid unhappy with press coverage of Iraq?

5.  How did the House react when Congressman John Murtha (Democrat-PA) called for immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq?  Why would talk of withdrawal be of concern to Gen. Abizaid?

6.  Inspectors did not find major stocks of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).  What did they find?  Be specific.
Does this discovery cause you to change your mind about the U.S. invasion of Iraq?  Explain your answer.

7.  Re-read paragraph 8.  What feeling do you get about Iraq when you read what the top military commander is saying?  Explain your answer.