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Nigerian Islamist attacks spread

tlmorg02

tlmorg02

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BBC NEWS | Africa | Nigerian Islamist attacks spread

Islamist militants have staged three co-ordinated attacks in northern Nigeria leaving dozens dead, meaning about 150 have been killed in two days.

A BBC reporter has counted 100 bodies, mostly of militants, near the police headquarters in Maiduguri, Borno State, where hundreds are fleeing their homes.

Witnesses told the BBC a gun battle raged for hours in Potiskum, Yobe State and a police station was set on fire.

Some of the militants follow a preacher who campaigns against Western schools.
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Is it time for the UN, or more likely, the U.S. to attack terrorists in Nigeria? These groups, including Al Qaeda have operated in Africa for quite awhile without Western intervention. Or, is it something we should allow African authorities to take care of? Thoughts?
 
I don't see either the reasoning for why the US would get involved in such a struggle that is irrelevant to their foreign interests, or why they should.
 
Aren't you against the war in Iraq? What of Afghaistan?


Are you suggesting we attack nigeria?
 
I support both wars. Iraq had it's flaws and mismanagement, with which I have stated my disagreement. But in Nigeria we have terror groups beginning to disrupt oil supply, takeover villages and raise anti-Western sentiment. This is where the next threat is. Too many people ignore Africa and feel that it is not our problem, with ME the focus. The Nigerian government is fighting the terrorists, but are not very effective and if the West fails to address this threat, Al Qaeda will simply move from the areas in the Middle East that we occupy to Africa.
 
tlmorg02 said:
I support both wars. Iraq had it's flaws and mismanagement, with which I have stated my disagreement. But in Nigeria we have terror groups beginning to disrupt oil supply, takeover villages and raise anti-Western sentiment. This is where the next threat is. Too many people ignore Africa and feel that it is not our problem, with ME the focus. The Nigerian government is fighting the terrorists, but are not very effective and if the West fails to address this threat, Al Qaeda will simply move from the areas in the Middle East that we occupy to Africa.
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I appreciate this, and am 100% behind you. We need to conitnue to take the fight to them, whereever they are.
 
If we are to attack anybody...

This time we should do it with an actual game plan.
 
Arch Enemy said:
If we are to attack anybody...

This time we should do it with an actual game plan.
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Agreed. I think the first step should be to contact the Nigerian government and offer assistance in snuffing-out the current terror strikes. One thing I will mention, is that from friends of mine from Nigeria, much of the problem in the nation arises from the government seizing lands from poor farmers in order to give the lands to the oil companies. Also, many farms are ruined as a result of oil rig/pump pollution of rivers and waterways. Therefor, there must be some economic development paln in place to give these farmers a choice besides joining the terror organizations in attacking the countries oil industry.
 
Exactly what pressing need if there for U.S. to intervene? This a domestic problem for Nigeria and hasn't yet reached the level of civil war. We haven't been invited, and our soldiers are desperately needed elsewhere. Even a minor intervention is going to mean billions of dollars and probably a few American lives. Imagine justifying your argument to the taxpayers in a time of record deficits and the families of the slain. War is not something to be taken lightly and "hey they are fighting Islamic radicals too" is not sufficient cause.
 
Let the African Governments deal with it as it is within their borders, not ours

I'd rather we not continue with this 2 country crusade to follow Islamists where ever they may be.
 
The UN sure does its job ain't it?
 
tlmorg02 said:
Is it time for the UN, or more likely, the U.S. to attack terrorists in Nigeria? These groups, including Al Qaeda have operated in Africa for quite awhile without Western intervention. Or, is it something we should allow African authorities to take care of? Thoughts?
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Why it's just people practicing their peaceful religion.
 
I completely understand the circumstances that would be against such action. For one, the reason we have not been invited is the reason I stated we should offer assistance. If it is turned down, then we step back and wait and watch. Yes, we only import 6% of our oil from Nigeria, but when there is a disruption in the production there, the entire market is effected and prices spike across the board. My main idea would be to continue the drawdown of troops in Iraq, moving units to Afghanistan. After Afghanistan is secure enough to allow local military and police to maintain the peace, we would stage around Africa and perform drone and/or ground strikes as intelligence dictated or assistance requested by African nations.

I understand that many have lost their stomach for war, and I am not in anyway suggesting continuous policy of invasion and regime change. But I am suggestion responsible international assistance in ridding nations of terror. The UN may or may not be part of this, but I can guarantee you, that if terror groups, such as Al Qaeda follow through with their plans to now attack the Chinese, we will have more allies in this fight. The biggest mistake we could make is to finish the fights in Afghanistan and Iraq, then retreat back into our borders. We must make a conserted effort with our allies to maintain the fight against terror whereever it may arise, lest we fall victim to our own aloofness again.
 
Maybe Bobo will invite these muslim pos over to the White House for a beer and talk about it.

Yes, I do believe Bobo is that stupid.
 
tlmorg02 said:
For one, the reason we have not been invited is the reason I stated we should offer assistance. If it is turned down, then we step back and wait and watch.
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I wouldn't have a problem with this at all. We should definitely offer assistance if their government requests it. There is plenty of things we can do to assist them that doesn't involve an all out invasion.
 
a777pilot said:
Maybe Bobo will invite these muslim pos over to the White House for a beer and talk about it.

Yes, I do believe Bobo is that stupid.
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So when Obama doesn't do this, does that mean you are that stupid instead for thinking it?
 
Apocalypse said:
The UN sure does its job ain't it?
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Why should the UN be involved in any way? Nigeria has been a stable democracy (for African standards) for a long time. It is not the job of the UN (or anyone else) to meddle in the internal affairs of another nation unless asked or forced to do so.

On top of that it is funny how you are not pissed at the Christian terror in the country.. I guess burning of children because they were "witches" is just a okay for the US right...
 
PeteEU said:
Why should the UN be involved in any way? Nigeria has been a stable democracy (for African standards) for a long time. It is not the job of the UN (or anyone else) to meddle in the internal affairs of another nation unless asked or forced to do so.

On top of that it is funny how you are not pissed at the Christian terror in the country.. I guess burning of children because they were "witches" is just a okay for the US right...
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How many Jews did the Spaniards kill during the inquisition? How 'bout yall's facist hero Franco, who had a long happy life? How many people died at Guernica?? Save the holier than thou BS for your Liberal pards that don't know any better.
 
apdst said:
How many Jews did the Spaniards kill during the inquisition? How 'bout yall's facist hero Franco, who had a long happy life? How many people died at Guernica?? Save the holier than thou BS for your Liberal pards that don't know any better.
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What the hell does that have to do with anything? If you want to start throwing insults based on country of origin then bring it on, you will loose as much as anyone else. And I aint Spanish.

Point is, it is an internal matter in Nigeria and since it is a stable government then no reason to do anything. If anything you all should be far more worried with Somalia and Yemen than Nigeria.
 
Oftencold said:
No, it will mean that Obama has risen above expectations by not doing something utterly foolish. You see?
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Suggesting Obama would invite terrorists such as Al-Qaeda over to the white house for a beer IS a foolish thing to say.
 
PeteEU said:
What the hell does that have to do with anything? If you want to start throwing insults based on country of origin then bring it on, you will loose as much as anyone else. And I aint Spanish.

Point is, it is an internal matter in Nigeria and since it is a stable government then no reason to do anything. If anything you all should be far more worried with Somalia and Yemen than Nigeria.
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You are correct that Yemen and Somolia should also be areas of worry. However, as neither country has stable governments, they will require possible full occupation, thus must be deferred until Iraq and Afghanistan are stable enough for withdrawl.
 
PeteEU said:
What the hell does that have to do with anything? If you want to start throwing insults based on country of origin then bring it on, you will loose as much as anyone else. And I aint Spanish.

Point is, it is an internal matter in Nigeria and since it is a stable government then no reason to do anything. If anything you all should be far more worried with Somalia and Yemen than Nigeria.
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One should equally worry for the equally ****ed up.
Half of Africa is still in the copper age.
 
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