1.  a) Who is Muqtada al-Sadr?
b)  Which country's government supports Muqtada al-Sadr?
c)  What has Washington repeatedly accused Iran of doing for leaders like al-Sadr?

2.  How does al-Sadr view the U.S. and our current and future presence in Iraq?

3.  a) Who is Baha'a al-Araji?
b)  Re-write the meaning of Mr. Araji's quote in para. 7 in your own words.
c)  What threat did member of the Iraqi parliament Baha'a Araji make against the U.S.?

4.  a) Why is the U.S. leaving 4,000-5,000 security contractors in Iraq after our troops withdraw?
b)  For what reason will Secretary Panetta order some U.S. troops return to Iraq after the troop withdrawal is complete?
c)  WSJ reader Bill O. commented: "I am particularly concerned about the [U.S.] decision to sell the F-16's to Iraq. Seems to me sales of sophisticated weaponry should be contingent upon demonstrated friendship."  Do you think Bill O's makes a valid point?  Explain your answer.

5.  Re-read para. 13-14.  What do you think of President Maliki's statements?

6.  How does U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta address concerns about Iran taking over Iraq after U.S. troops leave in a few months? (in para. 16-18)