1.  Lynn Vincent lists three types of progress in Iraq:
- military (paragraph #'s 2-8, 16)
- reconstruction (paragraph #'s 17-20)
- civil affairs (paragraph #'s 21-26)
Which two examples from any of the types above most encouraged you?  Why?

2.  For which major reconstruction project does Ms. Vincent concede that progress has not been made?

3.  Two experts quoted for this article take contrasting views of whether the U.S. military is making progress in Iraq.  Re-read the comments from:

• Larry Schweikart in paragraph #'s 9-11 and 14-15 and
• Michael Eisenstadt in paragraph #12

Which viewpoint makes more sense to you?  Why?

4.  What do you think was the purpose of Lynn Vincent's article?  In your opinion, has she succeeded in making her point?  Explain your answer.

5.  The news media reports daily on terror attacks and deaths in Iraq.  Why do you think the media generally does not report on success in Iraq? (To determine if they do, google "U.S. military success in Iraq" or "progress in Iraq" or "Iraq war heroes" and note how many stories come up from major media outlets such as CNN, ABC, CBS, Time, and the NY Times.  You can also google "Haditha" or "Haditha massacre" where U.S. soldiers were accused of murdering 14 innocent people.)

6.  Why is the support of the American public for the mission in Iraq necessary to its overall success?  Explain your answer.