1. What was the purpose of the missile-defense system (a radar site in the Czech Republic and 10 interceptor missiles in Poland) proposed by the Bush administration?

2. a) What is the Kremlin?
b) How did the Kremlin react to the Bush plan?
c) How did U.S. officials address the Kremlin's concern?

3. How does the Obama administration differ from the Bush administration in its view of the missile-defense system?

4. How are critics of the decision to shelve the missile-defense system expected to view this change?

5. How are Eastern European governments expected to react to the decision to shelve the defense system?

6. How is the Russian government expected to view the decision?

7. a) Experts differ on their estimate of how long it will take Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, and what capabilities their missiles will have. Read the "Background" and "Resources" below for some additional information. Do you agree with the Obama administration's decision to shelve the nuclear missile-defense system? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.