Question:
When the slave with the wicker basket came closer he could see that the contents were not food but some powdery stuff that was dipped out with carved spoons into the eager hands of the slaves.

Does it follow that "The slaves were given a powdery substance out of a wicker basket."?
Answer:
yes

Question:
The alternative perspective goes that the question is what NATO must do, that atrocities are a challenge rather than a verdict, and that NATO should persevere precisely because they continue.

Does it follow that "If NATO exists, they should make use of all possible resources, regardless of intent."?
Answer:
no

Question:
This area is great for people-watching, but to eat here it helps to have a generous expense account.

Does it follow that "The area is a great place to watch people despite its expense."?
Answer:
yes

Question:
But this becomes harder and harder for GAO to do as the demands for our work increase-requests and mandates already represent 95 percent of our total workload.

Does it follow that "The GAO has a very large workload and it's set to increase."?
Answer:
yes