1. What does the Patriot missile do? (see "Background" below)

2. a) In what four countries will the U.S. place Patriot missiles?
b) What additional steps is the U.S. taking to protect Arab states from Iranian missiles?

3. For what three reasons is the U.S. positioning Patriot missiles in four Gulf states?

4. What efforts with Iran did the Obama administration make prior to backing the placement of Patriot missiles in these Gulf countries?

5. a) Who is David Petraeus?
b) What concern did Gen. Petraeus recently say countries in the Gulf region have about Iran?

6. Why is it thought that Israel might take military action against Iran in the coming year?

7. a) What defense assistance is the U.S. giving to Saudi Arabia?
b) Do you think the media would take a different view on this assistance if done under the Bush administration instead of the Obama administration?

8. a) Do you support the plan for installing Patriot missiles in Gulf states?  Explain your answer.

CHALLENGE QUESTION:  In September, the Obama administration canceled a plan for installing missile shields in eastern Europe that would have protected our allies in that region from Iranian nukes. (Read the article at studentnewsdaily.com/daily-news-article/u.s.-shelves-nuclear-missile-shield.)
Do you support the cancellation of the Eastern European missile defense system?  Explain your answer.