1.  Why won't Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki shut down the Shiite Muslim run militias that have been torturing and killing Sunni Muslims in Baghdad?

2.  a) What was the focus of the video conference President Bush had with Prime Minister al-Maliki on Saturday?
b) What was noticeably absent from the joint statement made after the conference?

3.  List the three common goals shared by the United States and Iraq that were explained in the joint statement made after the conference.

4.  a) Who is Hassan al-Suneid?
b) What remarks did he make to reporters after the conference?

5.  a) Who is Zalmay Khalilzad?
b) Why is Prime Minister al-Maliki angry with him?

6.  a) How has the White House responded so far to Mr. al-Suneid's remarks?
b) Do you think that Mr. al-Makiki's attempt to "exact a better deal for Iraq" will succeed?  Explain your answer.