1. For IRAN, give the following information:

1. capital
2. location/the countries that share its borders
3. the religious breakdown of the population
4. the type of government
5. the chief of state (and head of government if different) If monarch or dictator, since what date has he/she ruled? – include name of heir apparent for monarch
6. the population

Find the answers at the CIA World FactBook website. For each country, answers can be found under the “Geography” “People” and “Government” headings.

2. For IRAN -  Find the answers to the following questions under the specific question #s (above) asked by the interviewer:
Under #1:
a) How did the Iranian government gain control of the government in Iraq?
b) Who was Qassim Suleimani?
c) Why did the U.S. target Suleimani now, according to Mr. Carafano?

Under #2:
What mistake did the Iranians make by attacking our embassy in Iraq?

Under #3:
Who was the militant leader killed with Suleimani in the U.S. drone strike?

Under #4:
a) How does Mr. Carafano refute criticism that taking out Suleimani is an escalation?
b) Mr. Carafano asks of the Iranians “What are they going to do?” and suggests they will do “more of the same.” What aggressive actions might they most likely continue?

Under #6, #7:
a) Media reports do not note what Mr. Carafano notes: that many Iranians (and Iraqis) are happy that Suleimani is dead. Why does he think a large group of Iranians did not like Suleimani?

3. Most media reports that provide analysis are generally negative about President Trump’s decision to take out Gen. Suleimani, who was responsible for 600 American deaths, and was “actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iran and throughout the region,” according to Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. What do you think of Mr. Carafano’s analysis? — He does not express the same fear that we should not have targeted this general who was responsible for so many attacks on Americans. Is his explanation logical? Explain your answer.

4. You will see in many news reports this week now questioning whether the attack on Suleimani was “illegal.” Ask a parent: what do you think: Was President Trump’s order to take this guy out illegal, or the right move to protect Americans? Please explain your answer.