1.  Define junta.
 
2.  Why is China viewed as partially responsible for the violent crackdown on peaceful protesters in Burma by the ruling junta?

3.  a) What has first lady Laura Bush urged the Burmese government to do?
b)  What has she called on the Chinese government to do?

4.  For what reasons were some people in the West already discussing a boycott of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games?

5.  What action has China urged the U.N. not to take against Burma?

6.  Re-read the statements made by human rights advocate Jody Williams in paragraphs 12-14.  What direct and indirect violations does she accuse the Chinese government of perpetrating?

7.  Burma is a very poor country because of the repressive government.  Last month, the government doubled the price of gas.  The people who were protesting were not just a group complaining about a price they didn't want to pay. When prices doubled most Burmese could not afford to buy gas.  Those taking the bus to work could no longer afford to travel by bus.  To gain a better understanding of the lack of wealth in Burma, compare the population there with the number of telephones and cell phones in use in the country, as well as internet users.  Then compare the population of the U.S. with the number of telephones and cell phones in use in the country, as well as internet users. 
(Find the answers at the CIA World Factbook website cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/index.html. Choose the country, then look in the "Communications" category.)