1.  The first paragraph of a news article usually answers the questions who, what, where and when.  The remainder of the article explains the how and/or why. 
Answer the questions who, what, where and when.

2.  How did the Stryker Brigade's Alpha Company know to search a house that had been raided less than two weeks earlier?

3.  a) What is nitric acid used for? 
b) What harm does it cause to humans?

4.  Terrorists have increased their attacks in an attempt to defeat the new U.S. strategy in Iraq.  Do you think that if the terrorists were successful in causing the U.S. troops to leave Iraq they would end their attacks on Iraqi civilians?  Explain your answer.

5.  When the Iraqi government was being formed after the U.S. ousted Saddam, Sunni Muslims refused to participate in the newly formed government.  They did, however, come around and begin to participate.  What do you read in this article that leads you to believe that average Sunni citizens are also coming around?

6.  Does this article give you hope or make you feel more pessimistic about the possibility for eventual success and peace in Iraq?  Explain your answer.