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Activities and Resources

Activities

Five Years of War

The Iraq war has loomed over the 2008 presidential race since the first debate. The big question: Should the next U.S. president set a timetable for bringing home the troops? Supporters of setting a timetable argue that the continuing U.S. presence in Iraq is doing more harm than good, and that a timetable would force the Iraqi government to take charge of its own country. Opponents of a timetable say a troop pullout would let the terrorists and insurgents claim victory, and that it would put Iraqi civilians in more danger because the country would likely descend into civil war. Have your students debate the pros and cons of setting a timetable for U.S. troops to leave Iraq. They can find detailed arguments and quotes supporting each side of the debate here. U.S. President George W. Bush says U.S. troops must remain in Iraq to establish peace. Check out where the 2008 candidates stand.

Looking for Smart Stuff? Click here to download (PDF).

Answers to this week's SmartStuff are listed on Page 2 of the Issue 20 Teacher's Guide that accompanies Current Events magazine.

Resources

To download the Teacher's Guide click here (PDF).

Five Years of War

Use this interactive graphic to learn about Baghdad’s neighborhoods and how the concepts of safety and opportunity have changed for the people living in them.
Watch a photo slide show documenting life in Iraq since the war began.
Learn more about the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
For maps, timelines and reports on the Iraq war, see this military Web site.

Ads Gone Mad

Have students keep their eyes peeled for any sort of advertising in their school environment, then have them share what they find with the class. Remind them that ads are more than just posters: Can they see billboards from their classroom windows? Do logos show up on lost pens? Could students themselves be wearing advertisements or carrying them into the building? Ask students if they think it's possible for any school to be completely ad-free. Then discuss as a class where the students think their school should draw the line on advertising.

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