"Western Education is Forbidden"

I am about 99.999% sure that if I went into the pit tomorrow, or any area with a concentrated human population, and yelled out two words "Boko Haram" at the top of my lungs I would most likely be met with confusing and concerned responses. Hell, you yourself probably don't even know what "Boko Haram" really is. So what is Boko Haram and what is its significance to you?

Boko Haram, literally meaning "Western Education is Forbidden", was a relatively small islamic opposition group created in Northern Nigeria. The group itself primarily focused on opposing the influx of Westernization in developing Nigeria; however, with the onset of 2009, Boko Haram began to take a more radical approach and initiated military campaigns across Nigeria in order to establish an "islamic state."Since 2009, the group has been responsible for heinous, harsh, and indescribable acts of war and terrorism against the Nigerian people, especially those of non islamic origin (Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethic groups). 

So why am I suddenly discussing Boko Haram today? Interestingly enough, the United States State Department finally branded Boko Haram as a terrorist organization. You must be thinking...oh so what, they're now on a list, who cares? However you would be surprised of the significance of such a move, and how it affects both sides. In the Islamic terror community (for practical purposes that how I will label the conglomeration of terror groups) reputation is everything. Insurgents, fighters, civilians, etc are more malleable and accepting of organizations that have better reputations then say shoddy start ups. After Al-Queda was given the "terrorist tag" by the State Department, its populairty skyrocketed and soon affiliate groups, such as those in Indonesia, began working harder so that they could be part of "Al-Queda."After gaining such a reputation, members become ever more charged and motivated to carry out attacks that help boost notoriety in order to promote themselves. This is a chief concern the US has had about Boko Haram, especially considering its increased relationship with the African based Al Qaeda, Islamic Maghreb, and Al-Shabaab. 

In years prior, "Boko Haram was earlier seen as an organisation which only posed a domestic threat - one reason why the US has not previously designated it as a terrorist organisation." However, with its shift towards international attacks, Boko Haram has gained power and potential. It executed several attacks on UN embassies over the past year as well as worked closely with Al Qaeda during the Tuareg takeover of Mali earlier this year. 

The move itself has been long awaited for by Nigerians who have to deal with the destruction and terror of Boko Haram on a day to day occasion. Nigeria's government said in June that Boko Haram and Ansaru were terrorist organisations, warning that anyone who helped them would face a minimum prison sentence of 20 years. With the decision by the State Department, we can only wait and see if Boko Haram gains further momentum...or if it is annihilated and fizzles out.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24931684