NOTE TO STUDENTS:  This article is very challenging!  Don't get discouraged!  Read the article once, then read through the questions. 
Read the article a second time and underline or circle important infomation as you read.  Then answer the questions.  This is a very important issue for all Americans to understand.  If you have trouble with the article, do the best you can and then ask a parent or classmate to discuss the answers with you.

1. a) Overarching is defined in Merriam-Webster dictionary as "dominating or embracing all else." What has been the overarching goal of the U.S. since 9/11?
b) What two methods has the U.S. used to achieve this goal?

2. What is the reason for specifically targeting al-Qaida "prime" - the al Qaida branch run by Osama bin Laden?

3. Describe the major difference between the Taliban and al Qaida.

4. a) Define strategic as used in paragraph 5.
b) What are the U.S.'s two strategic goals in Afghanistan?
c) What has the U.S. been doing to achieve these goals?

5. a) When the U.S. forced the Taliban out of Afghan cities, al-Qaida went to Pakistan. What advantages does al-Qaida have in Pakistan that have enabled the group to evade capture thus far by the U.S. military?
b) Why has al-Qaida's ability to commit terrorist attacks been almost eliminated?

6. How has the Taliban grown stronger in Afghanistan as al-Qaida grew weaker in Pakistan?

7. Why do Afghan tribes support the Taliban over the U.S. and the U.S.-backed President Karzai?

8. In paragraph 19, George Friedman suggests "if the primary reason for fighting the Taliban is to keep al-Qaida prime from having a base of operations in Afghanistan, that reason might be moot now as al-Qaida appears to be wrecked." He then acknowledges that it is possible for another Islamist terrorist group to arise there. What reasoning does he use to refute this possibility?

9. In paragraphs 21-29, Mr. Friedman suggests that the best way to destroy al-Qaida and other Islamist groups is through the CIA and military Special Ops forces, not conventional military troops. Do you think he makes a strong case for his assertion? Explain your answer.