1. For each of the 3 countries, 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.

NOTE to students: Before answering the questions below, read the information under “Background” and watch the news videos under “Resources.”

2. For IRAN:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What did General Flynn say about the Obama administration’s response to Iran’s constant provocations? How does the Trump administration differ?
c) What did Gen. Flynn say about President Obama’s nuclear agreement with Iran?
d) The CNN reporter writes, [Flynn said] “we are officially putting Iran on notice.” He did not elaborate on what that notice was, or what options the Trump administration would take. Do you think the administration should have been specific and detailed exactly how/where/when the U.S. would act? Explain your answer.

3. For CHINA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What reassurance did Defense Secretary Mattis give the Japanese government during his first overseas trip as US defense secretary? (Mattis was officially sworn in as secretary of defense on Jan. 27.)

4. For NORTH KOREA:
a) list the who, what, where and when of the news item
b) What reassurance did Defense Secretary Mattis give Seoul (the South Korean government)?
Secretary Mattis used his visit to reassure South Korea that the Trump administration "remains steadfast" in its "iron-clad" defense commitments to the region, said the Pentagon.

5. The Trump administration is coming out with strongly worded statements supporting our allies and warning provocateurs there will be severe consequences for hostile actions. Ask a parent:
a) Do you think this policy of approaching hostile nation states from a position of strength as opposed to President Obama’s policy of “leading from behind” will cause North Korea, Iran and China to think twice before they act, or will it cause these countries to increase their aggressive behavior? Please explain your answer.
b) President Obama famously warned the Syrian government there would be consequences if Assad “crossed a red line” and used chemical weapons on his own people - that the U.S. would take military action. Assad used chemical weapons on civilians and the Obama administration did not carry out the threat/warning. Do you think these governments believe the Trump administration will act on their warnings? Please explain your answer.