Boko Haram has pledged allegiance to Islamic State: So what is next?

Logo of Boko Haram (ArnoldPlaton)

The Islamic group Boko Haram has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (otherwise known as ISIS):

March 7, 2015

Two of the world’s best-known and brutal terror groups appear set to join forces following the release of a new audio recording.

The audio message has yet to be authenticated but purports to be from the leader of Nigeria’s Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, pledging allegiance to the Syria- and Iraq-based Islamic State. The jihadist monitoring group SITE on Saturday quoted Shekau as saying, “We announce our allegiance to the Caliph.”

In recent weeks, there have been persistent rumors that the two groups were working together. And the latest propaganda video issued by Boko Haram, showing the execution of two alleged spies, gave indications that the Nigerian group had gotten help from Islamic State with media production and propaganda abilities.

Still, U.S. intelligence officials remained skeptical that Boko Haram and the Islamic State had forged any “deep operational partnership.”

A U.S. intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told VOA on Saturday that even if the new pledge was authentic, it was unlikely to change the way either group operates.

“It’s probably more for propaganda purposes than anything else,” the official said, noting Boko Haram had previously pledged allegiance to both core al-Qaida and al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, only to “blatantly” disregard subsequent guidance from both groups.

Financial factor

However, the official did not rule out the role money might have played in Boko Haram’s decision-making.

“Boko would not turn down any funding or material support; they are takers who give little in return,” the official said.

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, agreed that if the pledge was real, Boko Haram most likely had some extra motivation.

“There is almost certainly money involved in the deal,” he said.

There has been some evidence that despite a decline in revenues, the Islamic State group has been throwing money around in hopes of countering losses on the ground in Iraq.

“Islamic State has been trying to show that it has momentum by luring more affiliates,” Gartenstein-Ross said. “They have a business model that requires them to maintain the perception of momentum.” http://www.voanews.com/content/boko-haram-pledge-allegiance-islamic-state/2671613.html

Much of the world is outraged by the acts of Boko Haram and the Islamic State.

The goal of these terrorists is to have a massive Islamic caliphate–essentially a type of Islamic empire. They often oppose not only non-Muslims, but also Muslims that will not support their views of Islam.

The Bible does tell of the rise of a power that resembles an Islamic caliphate called the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:2-8; see also The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation).

This ‘king of the south’ has territories in at least North Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey per Daniel 11:40-43.

The agreement between Boko Haram and the Islamic State is sending a signal to the world that terrorists are trying to form a confederation.

So, what is next?

Well in addition to the possibility that some other terrorists will work with the Islamic State (and that has been happening), the Arab world and the West will likely call for increased cooperation to deal with terrorists.

The time will come when a confederation of nations that are currently predominantly Islamic will arise (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:2-8). Some in the West have already called for that type of confederation. Because of concerns about terrorism and political unrest, more and more will call for that type of confederation and one actually will form.

While I remain of the view that the Islamic State will NOT lead the confederation that will be led by the final King of the South, I do believe its actions will encourage his ultimate rise.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? A related video is Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
Obama Administration Pushing for an Islamic Empire? Because of the rise of groups such as the Islamic State, the Obama Administration and others are pushing for a coalition of Arab nations along with Turkey. Does this resemble the final King of the South of Bible prophecy? Is there an Islamic antichrist? Does the Bible teach that terrorism and the sword will affect the USA and some of its allies? What does the Bible teach in Ezekiel about a confederation involving Egypt? Will an Arabic confederation end in destruction for those who strongly support it? Are the 10 nations in the Arab coalition the ten kings of Revelation 17:12-13? Are the 10 nations including the USA and Turkey the ten nations of Revelation 17:12-13? Who is? Was the pushing of the Obama Administration to do this predicted by in 2009 in a writing by Dr. Thiel? What does the Bible show?
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There is also a YouTube video sermon you can watch: The Coming Persecution of the Church. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? You can also see a YouTube video sermon The Gospel of the Kingdom.
Just What Do You Mean the Kingdom of God? A booklet that was written by Herbert Armstrong answers questions about the Kingdom.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it? Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near? A related sermon is titled The Millennium.
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
The Ten Commandments Reflect Love, Breaking them is Evil Some feel that the ten commandments are a burden. Is that what Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, and John taught? For a more detailed discussion of the first four commandments, please see the video The Ten Commandments: Loving God. For a more detailed discussion of the last six commandments, please see: The Ten Commandments: Loving Your Neighbor. Here is a link to a related article in Mandarin Chinese 十条诫命显示爱，违反诫命的就是邪恶的