1. What topics is President Obama expected to tackle during the UN General Assembly this week?

2. How do President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin differ on what the focus of their meeting will be?

3. In addition to Putin, what leader will President Obama meet with on Tuesday that is considered a significant meeting?

4. What strategy led by the Obama administration has not worked with ISIS?

5. Wikipedia defines a summit as “a meeting of heads of state or government, usually with considerable media exposure, tight security, and a prearranged agenda.”
a) What summit will President Obama lead on Monday?
b) What summit will President Obama lead on Tuesday?

6. What strategy is President Obama expected to lay out during his address to the UN General Assembly on Monday?

7. The UN is celebrating their 70th anniversary today. The United Nations wrote the following in a page titled "Overview" on www.un.org (accessed Aug. 19, 2009):

"The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights. Due to its unique international character, and the powers vested in its founding Charter, the Organization can take action on a wide range of issues, and provide a forum for its 192 Member States to express their views, through the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council and other bodies and committees.

The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe. Although best known for peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict prevention and humanitarian assistance, there are many other ways the United Nations and its System (specialized agencies, funds and programs) affect our lives and make the world a better place. The Organization works on a broad range of fundamental issues, from sustainable development, environment and refugees protection, disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation, to promoting democracy, human rights, governance, economic and social development and international health, clearing landmines, expanding food production, and more, in order to achieve its goals and coordinate efforts for a safer world for this and future generations."

a) Considering the many crises around the world currently (ISIS takeover of huge areas of 3 countries, the hundreds of thousands of refugees risking death to escape to Europe, etc.), how effective do you think the UN has been in carrying out their purpose? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.

OPTIONAL: Read or watch the President’s entire speech at WhiteHouse.gov.
a) List the major issues the President addressed.
b) For each one, what solution did he propose?
c) Were you encouraged or discouraged by the President’s speech? Explain your answer.
d) Ask a parent the same questions (c).