"Unlike previous Boko Haram attacks, the international pressure on Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is growing because of the #bringbackourgirls Twitter campaign. Protests are increasing due to the government’s indifference to the plight of the schoolgirls and statements in support of the schoolgirls from foreign and domestic leaders. This pressure came at the same time that the World Economic Forum took place in Abuja on May 7, 2014, and the Nigerian presidential campaign for the February 2015 elections is picking up pace. If this pressure continues to mount, Jonathan and his political team or the military may seek to resolve the kidnapping issue – with at least some of the girls being released – and reduce its media presence to prevent the story from undermining Jonathan’s likely re-election bid or tarring Nigeria’s credibility. For example, on May 12 the government reportedly denied the minister of interior’s statement that the government would “not negotiate” with Boko Haram (The Eagle, May 12)." Jamestown Foundation
--------------------------
Now we have McCain saying that the US should launch a rescue operation in Nigeria whether or not it has the agreement of the Nigerian government. What a great idea! Arizona likes what he does and says? In that circumstance we might easily find ourselves fighting the Nigerian military as well as Boko Haram and Ansaru. Where would the sustaining base for such operations be located and how would the base itself be sustained. To paraphase something George Marshall asked Patton in the midst of the campaign in France, where would the railhead be? In this case where would the line of supply from a major port be located and secured?
I will say again that IMO there is a lot of below the table style business going on in this situation between the Nigerian government and Boko Haram The lack of reaction at first on the part of Goodluck Jonathan and then the hostile reaction of his wife to demands for action have been followed by statements that the Nigerian govenment is willing to negotiate with Boko Haram.
IMO the fix is in and if the US stays out of the way most of these girls will eventually be released in a sub rosa deal that effectively partitions Nigeria. pl
http://thehill.com/policy/defense/206212-menendez-questions-nigerias-ability-to-free-kidnapped-girls
