Discussion Questions

August 15, 2003

CNN's Deanna Morawski reviews the top stories from this week including the California recall, the European heat wave and the foiled attempt to smuggle a surface-to-air missile into the U.S.

1. Who is Hemant Lakhani? With what crime was he has he been charged this week? Which three countries conducted the sting operation? What do you think is the significance of this event? Explain.

2. What is a recall? Which state is holding a recall election? Who is the current governor of the state of California? Approximately how many names will be on the ballot? Which high profile Republican candidate has emerged as the front-runner? Why do you think this recall is receiving so much attention in the U.S. media?

3. What unexpected tragedies have resulted from the recent heat wave in Europe? What are some possible explanations for the large numbers of heat-related deaths? How do you think the U.S. government would have responded to a heat wave in this country?

RELATED LINKS

CNN.com: California broadcasters announce plans for recall debate (http://www.cnn.com/2003/ALLPOLITICS/08/14/calif.recall/index.html)

CNN.com: Moving missiles around the world (http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/08/14/missiles.arms.dealers/index.html)

CNN.com: France tackles heat emergency (http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/08/14/paris.heatwave/index.html)