2.  Now take the opposite viewpoint and logically lay out the argument you do not emotionally agree with. 

a)  If you agree with Arafat, then find three points where Israeli’s could successfully counter his arguments.

b)  If you disagree with Arafat, then find a minimum of three points where he presents a logical argument.

Remember – this is a tough assignment, so I want to see you attempting to make sense of the arguments.  Also, we are practicing understanding the emotional component to disagreements as well as the logical underpinnings as well.  Emotion is good, but should not overwhelm logic.

A) In your own words, write Peter David’s thesis statement in this article and then B) brainstorm three ways you would argue against this thesis or poke holes in the thesis based on his arguments.

1.  Do you agree with Azari that the Iranian threat is severe and the world must “act decisively before it’s too late”? 

Or do you agree with Rubin that Iran isn’t as serious a threat as many say since “lumping all these groups under a single [heading] creates the image of one worldwide and powerful jihadi movement, rather than [different] groups…”?

Provide three reasons for your answer.

2.  Translate the graphic novel into a one paragraph statement about the author’s position on ONE of the following:

a) the schools in Iran after the Islamic revolution

b) Iran’s war with Iraq or

c) social control the regime has over the country.

3.  What did you think about the graphic novel format and why?

1.  What did you have the strongest reaction to in the reading and why?

Application of Knowledge

2.  Amnesty International made numerous recommendations about judicial rights in Iran.  Pick one abuse pointed out by Amnesty International and show how that impacted characters in the novel.

Analyzing your reading

3.  Was this selection harder to read or easier because it was from a novel.  Provide three reasons for your answer.

2.  At this point, there are many options on the table including opening direct negotiations, economic sanctions, referring the problem to the Security Council or even direct force.  What should be done and why?  Use evidence from the articles to back up your point.

1.  Will this man get the bomb?

2.  What does Iran want?

3.  Is Iran close to getting the bomb?

4.  Why is Iran picking a fight?

5.  Which option should the U.S. take?

2.  Zakaria argues that “[i]nstead of getting scared and spooked, America should view Tehran with a healthy dose of calm and confidence.”  Use an argument from either article to explain why you agree or disagree with Zakaria.

2.  Pick two potential areas for conflict between EITHER:

     a.  Sunni & Shiite Muslims or

     b.  Islamic beliefs and Western societies.

3.  After reading the article, list two questions that you were unclear about or would like to learn more information about.

2.  Were your predictions correct after reading the article?  Briefly explain why or why not for each prediction.

3.  In your own words, write Trudy Rubin’s thesis statement for this article and give two reasons why you agree or disagree with her conclusions.

4.  HOW ‘BOUT THEM HOOVER BUCS – I finally saw the state championship game and invite comments (keep them clean) over whether it was Alex or Kristin’s fault…