Why There Is No Stopping Boko Haram

Law-abiding citizens are frustrated about extremism and acts of terrorism – including Boko Haram’s kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls in northern Nigeria as well as their violent attacks on towns and markets. The group’s aim is to establish a religious state in Nigeria and impose archaic rules. “A world that had become accustomed to news of the usual manifestations of terror from groups claiming to act in the name of Islam – suicide bombings, explosions, targeted killings – has been given a rude jolt by this new act of perversion,” reports Gayatri Chandrasekaran for Live Mint. “Neglect by the state government has given ample opportunity to non-state actors such as Boko Haram to increase its influence and support base in the country.” Religious division and inequality contributed to the group’s emergence, she argues, along with Nigeria’s lack of strong state machinery and intelligence services. Foreign intervention could invite a backlash. She urges that Nigeria make elimination of Boko Haram a top priority. – YaleGlobal