1.  What is the Palestinian Authority? (For a brief explanation, go to Britannica.com)
When was the PA established? (see Background paragraph above for answer)

2.  Why do Israel, the U.S. and European countries have a problem with a Hamas led government?

3.  Who is Mahmoud Al-Zahar?  What two changes does he say will be made by the Hamas victory?

4.  How has acting Israeli Prime Minister Olmert reacted to the election results?

5.  What did Palestinian President Abbas promise to do when the elections were over?  Do you think he will carry out his promise?  Explain your answer.

6.  How is President Bush responding to a Hamas led PA?

7.  According to the PA's website, President Bush resumed direct aid to the PA.  Some have suggested that if Hamas runs the PA without disarming and ending its goal to destroy Israel, that the U.S. should end funding to the PA.  (Hamas has refused to do either.)  What do you think about U.S. aid to the Palestinians?