1.  Why have the Israeli Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and opposition leader turned down requests for meetings from former President Jimmy Carter during his trip to the Middle East?

2.  What stand has Mr. Mashaal taken on Israel?

3.  How does the U.S. State Department view Mr. Carter's meeting with Mr. Mashaal?

4.  How does the U.S. government view Hamas?

5.  How does Hamas view Mr. Carter's meeting with Mr. Mashaal?

6.  Which Israeli leaders will meet with Mr. Carter?

7.  a) Do you think Mr. Carter should meet with Mr. Mashaal?  Explain your answer.
b)  What do you think Mr. Carter's meeting with Mr. Mashaal will accomplish?  Explain your answer.