Examine U.N. Resolution 1441

Overview: President Bush says Monday will be a "moment of truth for the world," when officials will decide if diplomacy can work in the Iraq crisis. But whether or not the U.N. decides to pass a new resolution on the Gulf country, the president is expected to issue an ultimatum - a final demand - to Iraq this week.

After students read "U.S., Britain, Spain discuss final chance for peace in Iraq" and watch the first segment of CNN Student News (the video can be accessed from CNNStudentNews.com) pose the following questions:

RESOURCES • CNN.com: Bush: Monday is 'a moment of truth' on Iraq  • CNN.com: Allies prepare for Azores summit  • CNN.com: The Azores: An isolated crossroads  • CNN.com: Special: Showdown Iraq  • Holt, Rinehart and Winston: Conflict in the Persian Gulf

1. Which nation's leaders attended the summit in the Azores this weekend? What was the purpose of the summit? Inform students that President George W. Bush said, "(Monday)is a moment of truth for the world"? What do you think he means? What challenges did British Prime Minister Tony Blair issue to France's president? What is at stake if the U.N. holds a vote on the new Iraq resolution? What will most likely happen if a diplomatic solution can not be reached in the near future?

2. President George W. Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar insist that U.N. Resolution 1441 gives them the authority to use force against Iraq. What is Resolution 1441? Direct students to to the text of Res. 1441 (http://fyi.cnn.com/2002/US/11/08/resolution.text/). Have students review the resolution and identify its most important points, whether it gives the allied nations the authority to use force against Iraq, and if Iraq has failed to take the final opportunity afforded to it in Resolution 1441. After students discuss their findings, point out that sources at the White House said President Bush would address the nation, perhaps as soon as Monday night, to give Iraqi President Saddam Hussein a final deadline to disarm. Ask students: Why do you think Bush is planning to issue this ultimatum at this point in time? Do you think he should issue the ultimatum? In your opinion, should the U.S. take military action against Iraq if it doesn't have full backing from the U.N. Security Council? State your rationale.