As a practical matter, the audio announcement by Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau that the terrorist organization pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State caliphate doesn't mean very much. A vast distance separates the two terror groups and neither one can send significant aid if one of them gets in trouble. But as a propaganda coup, both groups score big. BBC: In the audio message posted on Saturday, the Boko Haram leader purportedly said: "We announce our allegiance to the caliph... and will hear and obey in times of difficulty and prosperity. "We call on Muslims everywhere to pledge allegiance to the caliph." Boko Haram's insurgency has threatened Nigeria's territorial integrity and triggered a humanitarian crisis. It has carried out frequent bombings that have left thousands dead in Nigeria's north-east and has also attacked targets in the capital, Abuja. On Saturday, at least five blasts including several suicide bombings...(Read Full Post)