1. How many U.S. troops will be transferred from NATO to direct American command in Afghanistan?

2. What is the reason for the troop transfer?

3. How will the troop transfer affect General David McKiernan's command?

4. a) What problem with the Afghan police and army is the U.S. military aiming at fixing with the troop shift?
b) How do they expect it to help?

5. a) Why did Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah meet with Afghan leaders and Taliban last month?
b) How did U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates react to the meeting?

6. Do you think the troop transfer is a good strategy for improving the situation in Afghanistan? Explain your answer.