Is it possible to be both a proud American and one critical of America’s current state of values? Consider Ayad as the son of immigrants and a natural-born American. How do you view his “divided loyalties” (26) as a Muslim American?

How valid is the concept of the much-heralded American Dream in today’s world? Is it still possible to defy race, gender, and economic status to “pull yourself up by the bootstraps?”

What responsibility, if any, does the United States bear in the creation of terrorist groups in the Middle East? Research the funding of the mujahideen tribal groups and the subsequent abandonment of their weapons in forming your answer.