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Resources to Help Understand and Explain the Conflict in Iraq
The Austin Public Library has put together a suggested Web site list for parents to use as a resource to assist in providing information to children and teens. These sites contain talking tips for parents. APL has also suggested activities for kids that may help in the understanding and coping process during the conflict. Additionally, APL has a recommended reading list of books that may be checked out.

web sites | nonfiction books | fiction books

Helping Kids Cope With the Conflict

• Helping Kids Cope with Images from Iraq
• Coping in Unsettling Times
• Talking with Kids About War and Terrorism
• Talking About Terrorism and War
• Talking with Kids About the News
• Awesome Library Resources for Teachers on Iraq

Things for Kids To Do

• Send A Care Package
  This site lets you know what the troops need and details how to send your packages.
• The Red Cross Send A Care Package Program
  Send a care package to the US Army through the Red Cross.
• Post a Message to US Soldiers
  This official US Army site lets you post a message to US Soldiers.
• Spirit of America
  Provide funds and goods for Individual Americans working in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• American Flag Coloring Page
  American flag available for downloading and printing so you can color it at home.

General Information

• BBC News - In Depth Look at Iraq After Saddam
  Updated daily, this is a great resource to find out what is going on in Iraq.
• CNN—War in Iraq
  CNN's site dedicated to news about the war in Iraq.
• War on Terrorism: Saddam Hussein and Iraq
  Information compiled by East Carolina University including news links, key documents, background and analysis of the war in Iraq.

In-Depth Background and Government Information

• US Department of State—Iraq Update
  This site is maintained by the US Government and contains news, key documents, fact sheets, and more.
• Hot Topics: Terrorist Attacks on the U.S.
  Maps, photographs, links to media and government agencies.
• FindLaw Legal News: Special Coverage: War on Terror
  Extensive resources from FindLaw including government and legal documents, reports and statistics.
• Whitehouse.gov—Renewal in Iraq
  View and listen to remarks by the President and his staff.

Learn more about the Middle East

• PBS—Global Connections: The Middle East
  This site features a timeline that explores the Middle East from the 1900s to better understand the events of today. Other features include the exploration of questions concerning the appeal of religious militancy, the role of women, and natural resources to help the big picture emerge.
• Maps of Iraq
  UT Austin's Perry Casteñeda library has an amazing digital map collection. You'll find maps that cover the entire country, its various cities, as well as political and geographical maps.
• National Geographic's Hot Spot: Iraq
  This site features maps, current news, and of course National Geographic's specialty, in-depth photojournalism.
• CIA World Factbook
  Choose which country you would like to learn about on the pull-down menu. The CIA World Factbook holds a wealth of information on every country in the world. Here you'll find quick facts about geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, and military.
• MENIC
  The Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin provides extensive background information on the history, cultures, governments and politics of the Middle East.

Peace Organizations

• Texans For Peace
  Texans for peace is committed to work towards making Texas - and the world - a more peaceful and less violent place to live, work, and raise families. This page features a number of peace resources and anti-war links.
• Austin Against War—Austin Area Organizations
  Are you interested in joining a local organization that promotes peace? Austin Against War has created a list of Austin area organizations.

Revised and updated May 2004.

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