GEP - Current Events Email - December 15, 2007

+ events archive

Dear Teacher:

As a recipient of World Savvy's Current Affairs Update, every two weeks you will receive a set of resources for 3 major recent news stories, including articles at varying reading levels, a list of relevant standards, and curriculum that can be used to teach about the issues covered by that news story. If you are interested in teaching a larger unit on a specific issue, please contact us for support.

Please note: Due to the holiday break, there will be no current events update until Jan. 15, 2008.

Topic 1: Interrogation Tapes Destroyed By CIA

Advanced Article: www.washingtonpost.com
Intermediate Article: www.usatoday.com
Beginning Article: news.bbc.co.uk

Discussion Questions:

1. What are the destroyed tapes alleged to have shown?
2. What reason does the CIA give for destroying the tapes? For what reasons do critics claim they were destroyed?
3. What are some potential problems with information obtained through torture? Be sure to consider ethical implications as well as the validity of the information obtained.
4. Are there situations in which torture is justified? What are some examples? In particular, at what point, if any, should torture be used in "the fight against terrorism?"
5. What is the role of the media in reporting on activities concerning national security? Are there certain things governmental organizations should be allowed to keep secret? From whom should these things be kept secret (i.e. the general public, Congress, the media)?

Curriculum:

1. Using Torture on Suspected Terrorists: Read it now >>
2. Reading the Geneva Conventions: Read it now >>
3. Abuse of Power: Examining and Reacting to the Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners in US Custody ('04): Read it now >>
4. Terrorism: How Should We Respond? Read it now >>

California Standards:

Government: Tensions within Constitutional Democracy, The Media
US History: Foreign Policy since 1948, Civil Rights/Human Rights
Language Arts: Persuasive Argument, Point of View

+ back to top

---

Topic 2: New U.S. Intelligence Estimate Reports Iran is NOT a Nuclear Threat

Advanced Article: query.nytimes.com
Intermediate Article: english.aljazeera.net
Beginning Article: www.eslworldnews.com

Background Article: Q&A: Nuclear Disarmament: news.bbc.co.uk

Discussion Questions:

1. What did the US government's report say about Iran's nuclear arms program?
2. Why is this significant? How does the most recent report differ from previous reports?
3. How has the international community responded to Iran's purported nuclear weapons program in the past? Have the recent findings changed President Bush's proposed strategy for dealing with Iran?
4. What do you believe is the best way to respond to a nation that has, or is attempting to obtain, nuclear capabilities? Sanctions? Military threat? Military action? Are there extenuating circumstances that should affect which line of action is taken (i.e. geopolitical location, type of government, political leanings)?
5. Do you believe nuclear nonproliferation treaties are effective?

Curriculum:

1. The U.S. and Iran: Confronting Policy Alternatives: Read it now >>
2. International Forum on Iran's Nuclear Program: Read it now >>
3. Examine the History of U.S.-Iran Relations: Read it now >>
4. Still Suspicious? Evaluating U.S. Foreign Policy in Iran in Light of New Intelligence: Read it now >>
5. Disarmament and Nonproliferation: Read it now >>

California Standards

US History: Foreign Policy since 1948
World History: Contemporary Nation Building

+ back to top

---

Topic 3: Venezuelans Vote to Retain Presidential Term Limits

Advanced Articled: economist.com
Intermediate Article: www.latimes.com
Beginning Article: news.bbc.co.uk

Background Article: Venezuela - Key Facts:news.bbc.co.uk

Discussion Questions:

1. On what issue did Venezuelans recently vote? What were the results?
2. Why was voter turn-out relatively low? Who made up the majority of those abstaining? What groups of people voted in opposition of the measures?
3. Why do many believe this election result is so significant?
4. How do you believe the election results will affect Chavez's plans to further socialize Venezuela? Why might countries like the United States take interest in the degree to which Venezuela becomes a socialist nation? Do you think Venezuela's vast oil resources are a factor?
5. Do you believe it is possible for a leader to implement changes that will dramatically alter societal structures, while still maintaining a true democracy? Are there instances in which a person in authority is justified in seizing power in an undemocratic way? What are some of the potential problems that could result?

Curriculum:

1. Socialism in South America: Read it now >>
2. Trading Up? Exploring International Positions on Free Trade: Read it now >>
3. Make a Venezuela Trade Graph: Read it now >>
4. Comparative Economic Systems: Read it now >>
5. Venezuela's Political and Oil Crisis (Spanish language lesson): Read it now >>

California Standards:

World History: Contemporary Nation Building
Government: Comparative Government
Economics: International Trade/Global Economy
Math: Graphs, Charts

+ back to top

---

Bonus Topic: News to Watch in December - UN Climate Change Conference in Bali

The UN climate change conference taking place in Bali, Indonesia winds up this week. Countries from around the world are discussing the Kyoto Protocol, and drafting follow-up strategies nations can undertake to reduce global warming. So far no major agreements have been made, and the US has opposed further binding emissions targets.

Follow the ongoing story at:
news.bbc.co.uk or http://us.oneworld.net.
A round-up of the conference results will be in the Jan. 15 updates.

+ back to top

---

The views expressed in the articles and resources listed above are not the views of World Savvy. They are listed here as resources for educators but do not necessarily reflect the opinions and priorities of World Savvy. If you ever want to unsubscribe from this list, just send an email to Kelly at kelly@worldsavvy.org.