Posted on 12/27/2012 7:14:47 AM PST by marshmallow
Islamists on the attack in Africa
The Christmas season’s become a time to reflect on the fate of Christians around the world, from the besieged ancient communities of the Middle East to the tyrannized worshippers in China. But let us not ignore the violent threats to Christians in Africa.
Men belonging to Boko Haram murdered at least 10 people in the Nigerian village of Chibok earlier this month. Armed with guns and knives, they slit the throats of victims before burning their houses down. Eleven others were killed the month before in the town of Jaji when a car loaded with explosives rammed into a church.
In northern Nigeria, the anti-Western, anti-Christian, anti-government Boko Haram is the top Islamist terror gang. Since 2009, its atrocities have killed at least 3,000 people in Africa’s most populous nation.
Half of Nigeria (mostly in the south) is Christian. Christians outnumber Muslims — but if Boko Haram has its way, that ratio will change.
As far as the group’s ideologues are concerned, sharia — Islamic law — must rule the country. Non-Muslim symbols, such as churches or crosses (and for that matter anything else that might have been touched by Western influence), are haram (forbidden). Anyone even suspected of holding Christian or other non-Muslim beliefs is a fair target.
Boko Haram isn’t all that well organized. Its ideologues often recruit run-of-the-mill thugs in targeting the infidels. Rape, maiming and looting often precede vicious killings.
Oh, and Boko Haram isn’t alone in Africa. Militant Islamists are spreading from the traditionally Muslim deserts of the Maghreb along the Mediterranean, moving south to spots like Somalia, Mali, Niger and Kenya.
Groups fighting Christians and other non-Muslim religionists aren’t necessarily linked (though many are inspired by al Qaeda). Iran and Sunni factions around the globe compete in nurturing and....
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
What will the lame duck President do about that?
Just like it was in the early Christian church, the more the Christians were attacked, the more attractive it become for non-Christians to join.
The cancer spreads.
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