PLEASE NOTE: Daily posting and “Answers” emails will end for the school year on Friday, May 26th.

1. Read President Trump’s speech in its entirety. (Watch the video under “Resources” below.)
Tone is the attitude a speaker takes towards a subject.
a) What was the overall tone of President Trump’s speech to the 55 world leaders of Muslim countries?
b) What was the president’s tone regarding the country of Saudi Arabia and its people and culture?
c) What was the president’s tone toward the other countries he mentions including Jordan, Lebanon, UAE (Emirates), Kuwait, Turkey, et al?

2. In the beginning of his speech, President Trump lays out his message, vision and goal for America’s relationship with the Middle East. How does he describe each of the three?

3. What does the President tell the “leaders and citizens of every country assembled here today” the U.S. is eager to do?

4. How does the President explain the purpose for “the $110 billion Saudi-funded defense purchase” and for the discussions to strengthen partnerships (and form new ones) with many of the countries present at the speech?

5. President Trump mentions the opening of two new Centers. What are they? What is the purpose of the centers?

6. What does President Trump say is the one goal that “transcends every other consideration”?

7. What steps must the world take to defeat Islamic terrorists, according to President Trump?

8. President Trump said (in paragraphs 43-45):

“We can only overcome this evil if the forces of good are united and strong - and if everyone in this room does their fair share and fulfills their part of the burden.

Terrorism has spread across the world. But the path to peace begins right here, on this ancient soil, in this sacred land.

America is prepared to stand with you - in pursuit of shared interests and common security.”

a) What does he then say the nations of the Middle East must do? Be specific.
b) Do you agree with this assertion? Explain your answer.

9. a) What does the President say religious leaders (Muslim clerics) must do?
b) Then what does he say political leaders (of Muslim countries) must do?
c) What do you think the religious and political leaders’ reactions should be to these declarations?

10. At the end of his speech, President Trump exhorts the assembled Muslim leaders:

This fertile region has all the ingredients for extraordinary success – a rich history and culture, a young and vibrant people, a thriving spirit of enterprise. But you can only unlock this future if the citizens of the Middle East are freed from extremism, terror and violence.

We in this room are the leaders of our peoples. They look to us for answers, and for action. And when we look back at their faces, behind every pair of eyes is a soul that yearns for justice.

Today, billions of faces are now looking at us, waiting for us to act on the great question of our time.

Will we be indifferent in the presence of evil? Will we protect our citizens from its violent ideology? Will we let its venom spread through our societies? Will we let it destroy the most holy sites on earth? If we do not confront this deadly terror, we know what the future will bring — more suffering and despair. But if we act — if we leave this magnificent room unified and determined to do what it takes to destroy the terror that threatens the world — then there is no limit to the great future our citizens will have.

The birthplace of civilization is waiting to begin a new renaissance. Just imagine what tomorrow could bring.   …..

I ask you to join me, to join together, to work together, and to FIGHT together — BECAUSE UNITED, WE WILL NOT FAIL.

Thank you. God Bless You. God Bless Your Countries. And God Bless the United States of America.

What is your reaction to this exhortation? Explain your answer.

11. a) Do you think the President focused on the correct issues? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.

CHALLENGE QUESTION:
President Trump said that his speech to the large gathering of Muslim leaders was “historic and unprecedented - unique in the history of nations.” Do an internet search for articles on this speech and the fact that it was unprecedented. How many articles can you find that mention this fact?