The Nigerian rebel group, Boko Haram (“Western Education is evil”), has been waging a long-standing guerrilla movement in northern Nigeria for several years. In its most recent attack,185 people were killed. The Nigerian government seems incapable of stopping the violence and there does not seem to be any basis for accommodation with the group. The continuing violence seems likely to split the country apart.
Government forces loyal to President Assad of Syria have waged a week-long offensive in mainly Sunni Muslim suburb of Damascus, Jdeidet al-Fadel. Estimates are that perhaps as many as 500 civilians have been killed in this offensive. The US has pledged to double its aid to the Syrian rebel opposition to almost $250 million, but will not include any weapons in that aid package.
Hampshire College Professor, Michael Klare, has a provocative essay on the coming global instabilities due to resource shortages. His prognosis is particularly grim, but difficult to refute directly.
World Politics News 
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