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U.S. debates "terrorist" sanctions for Nigerian militants
Source: Reuters
U.S. debates "terrorist" sanctions for Nigerian militants
By Mark Hosenball and John Shiffman
WASHINGTON | Fri May 25, 2012 7:08pm EDT
(Reuters) - The U.S. State Department is debating the wisdom of designating the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram a "foreign terrorist organization" despite entreaties from lawmakers and the Justice Department to do so.
U.S. diplomats are giving serious consideration to the arguments of a group of academics who sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this week urging her department not to apply the "terrorist" label to the al Qaeda-linked group.
The professors said Boko Haram's violent tactics have "turned most Nigerians against them," and their reputation among other militants might be enhanced by a "terrorist" designation.
U.S. action might also validate the position of more radical elements of Boko Haram, which is divided into factions, the professors said.
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By Mark Hosenball and John Shiffman
WASHINGTON | Fri May 25, 2012 7:08pm EDT
(Reuters) - The U.S. State Department is debating the wisdom of designating the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram a "foreign terrorist organization" despite entreaties from lawmakers and the Justice Department to do so.
U.S. diplomats are giving serious consideration to the arguments of a group of academics who sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this week urging her department not to apply the "terrorist" label to the al Qaeda-linked group.
The professors said Boko Haram's violent tactics have "turned most Nigerians against them," and their reputation among other militants might be enhanced by a "terrorist" designation.
U.S. action might also validate the position of more radical elements of Boko Haram, which is divided into factions, the professors said.
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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/25/us-usa-security-bokoharam-idUSBRE84O1CI20120525
