Will the Dalai Lama reincarnate?

It is one of the most sensitive political issues in China: who has authority in Tibet? Many Tibetans revere the Dalai Lama and support his goal of greater autonomy from Beijing.

But to Chinese officials, the exiled spiritual leader is a traitor.

The role of Dalai Lama has been filled for centuries through "reincarnation". The current Dalai Lama, the 14th, turns 80 this year, and Beijing is keen to control the process of finding the 15th.

But the present Dalai Lama has said the role will one day end. Better to have no Dalai Lama than "a stupid one".

So, will he reincarnate? The BBC World Service

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-32032790

Who are Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists?

This is a current events news item sent to me by Rolando in REL3308

  Who are Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists? 

By Farouk Chothia
BBC Africa

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13809501

Nigeria's militant Islamist group Boko Haram - which has caused havoc in Africa's most populous country through a wave of bombings, assassinations and abductions - is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state.

 Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it "haram", or forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity associated with Western society.

 This includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers or receiving a secular education.

Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by non-believers, even when the country had a Muslim president - and it has extended its military campaign by targeting neighbouring states.