1. Name the two cities in Iraq's western Anbar province that have been taken over by al-Qaeda.

2. What is the significance of Fallujah to our U.S. Marines (and to all Americans)?

3. a) When did President Obama withdraw all U.S. troops from Iraq?
b) How did the American public view this foreign policy move?

4. What action has Secretary of State John Kerry said the U.S. might take in response to al-Qaeda take-over in Anbar province?

5. How does the head of the Anbar military command view the situation in Anbar?

6. Republican Senators McCain and Graham criticized President Obama’s decision to withdraw all US troops two years ago instead of leaving behind a residual force, saying this week’s al-Qaeda advances were “as tragic as they were predictable.” Others have blamed the President's foreign policy as well for the current situation in Anbar. Ask a parent what he/she thinks about this assertion.

7. Senators McCain and Graham also said: the “thousands of brave Americans who fought, shed their blood, and lost their friends to bring peace to Fallujah and Iraq are now left to wonder whether these sacrifices were in vain.” What do you think?