1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. How is this deployment of Special Ops forces different from the raids they have carried out so far in Syria?

3. What will the approximately 50 U.S. Special Ops forces do in this deployment?

4. What have Obama administration officials said these forces will not do?

5. What did the Republican chairman of the House Armed Services Committee say about President Obama’s decision to deploy 50 Special Ops forces into Syria?
Ask a parent: What do you think of Congressman Thornberry’s assertion? Explain your answer.

6. Media reports say President Obama is sending the special forces now in response to pressure from Republicans in Congress. Do you think President Obama would bow to pressure from the Republican-led Congress? Explain your answer. (Ask a parent this question also, and to explain his/her answer.)

7. A White House spokesman said on Friday that the President is opposed to a large-scale, long-term military operation in Syria. He said President Obama will not put the troops in a combat mission. Since 2013 President Obama has said numerous times he would not put U.S. boots on the ground in Syria. In 2014 he asked Congress to fund a $500 million “Syria Train and Equip Program” that has since failed. (see “Background” below).
Why do you think of President Obama’s new strategy? Explain your answer.

8. Would you want the next president (Democrat or Republican) to continue President Obama’s strategy in Syria? Explain your answer.