Islamic extremism is no longer bred in distant parts of the globe, but grown in cities and neighborhoods throughout Europe. Its foothold in countries like Germany, France and the UK signal questions about integration, radicalization and national policies on the War on Terror.The Nigerian military looks to be slowly gaining the upper hand in its fight against Boko Haram. But the Islamist terror group isn't going quietly and has begun using young girls as suicide bombers.
No other terror organization -- not al-Qaida and not Islamic State -- has murdered as many people since 2009 as has Boko Haram. The total is thought to be as high as 27,000.
Recently, the Nigerian army -- led by the country's new president, the former general Muhammadu Buhari -- has recaptured some territory and pushed back the Islamists. A military coalition made up of Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Benin has reported significant success in their fight against Boko Haram. Military leaders claim that an important leader of the terrorists has been taken into custody and hundreds of hostages have been released. "We have destroyed 70 percent of Boko Haram, says the head of a citizens' militia that works together with the military.
But the Islamists still haven't been completely defeated. The group has gnawed its way deep into the land and has spread into neighboring countries. It has also changed strategies, not unlike a morphing virus. Despite its military losses, it has found a way to infect broader society, by using young girls as human bombs.
