1.  a) List the countries that border Somalia.  b) What is the capital of Somalia?  (For a map, go to WorldAtlas.com.)

2.  a) Who is Daahir Mireh Jibreel?  b) Why is he appealing for the assistance of the U.S. and its allies?  Be specific.

3.  a) What was the result of a U.S. air strike in southern Somalia Monday? 
b) Why has a team of U.S. special operations troops entered Somalia?

4.  a) For what reasons did Mr. Jibreel dismiss fears of an Iraq- or Afghan-type insurgency arising against the Somali government? 
b) Why then does Mr. Jibreel appeal for help in fighting al Qaeda?

5.  a) Why does the Somali transitional government need the help of the Ethiopian military? 
b) How are the U.S. and the U.N. responding to the appeals of the Somali government?

6.  In addition to military support, list the requests Mr. Jibreel has made for public and private support during his Washington visit.