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        “We will not allow the United States or any other foreign power to use our country as a diving board,” the translator repeated. “If you wish to enter our region it will be through another country. Not Somalia. I will not answer any further questions concerning this matter. It is closed. We do not wish for any trouble with the United States. Please honor our wishes.”

        The King who was speaking in his native tongue glanced at his translator,  Matsu, and sat down.  Matsu looked around the room and slowly did the same.

        Voices rose from the group gathered in the room located in the west wing of the White House. The behind door negotiations had been going on for several days and seemed to be at a stalemate. Four Congressmen, three Senators, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and several other high ranking government officials had been in attendance. The newly crowned king of Somalia had an entourage of nine.

        “Your Majesty,” the Congressman from Ohio spoke. “The United States has done so much for your country. We are asking little in return.”

        The king snapped his fingers and stood. All those with him rose and as one, moved toward the door. King Yusuf waited at the table. He leaned menacingly toward the congressman.

        Looking into his eyes he spoke in perfect English, “I am not a fool and neither are my countrymen, Mr. Morgan. Never make that mistake.” He slammed his fist down on the table. “Your country has done little more than make a boar’s bone out of my homeland, something to be fought over by dogs. You, Mr. Morgan, are one of those dogs. In my country, when a dog becomes a problem, we slice its throat.” He made a slow, deliberate motion with his hand from his left ear, moving slowly across his throat and up to his right ear. “American dogs have become a problem, Mr. Morgan. Do not forget that. I have done far worse to my enemies.”