IMPORTANT:  Before answering questions, read the information above, and visit the links to gain a better understanding of this issue. 
1.  a) Who is Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen)?
b) What declaration did President Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert make yesterday about Abbas?

2.  What action did Abbas take after Hamas forces took over the Gaza Strip last week?

3.  What does President Bush hope will be the outcome of support for Abbas and new Prime Minister Fayyad?

4.  What economic actions did the U.S. and Israel take after Mr. Abbas expelled Hamas from the Palestinian unity government?

5.  Why are Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Jordan supporting Abbas' (Fatah) government and preparing to isolate Hamas?

6.  What does the cartoon below imply about the U.S./Israeli support for Palestinian President Abbas?  Be specific.

7. Challenge question: Do you think that Abbas is a moderate? Explain your answer. (For a commentary on this issue, go to danielpipes.org/article/4641.)