COMING, as it does, days after the atrocities in Brussels, and months after the Paris outrages andthe bombing campaign in Turkey and yesterday’s outrage in Lahore the defeat of IS at Palmyra can be hailed as a victory, hopefully the first of many against Islamic extremism.

EVERY terror attack by Islamic extremists provokes anger and the incomprehension religious fanaticism generates in a largely pluralist, liberal, and increasingly irreligious Western world.

THIS Easter weekend Christians will mark one of their year’s high points in religious observance. From small, draughty country churches to great basilicas faith will be expressed openly. 

THE reaction by security services around the world to the Belgian bombings has been understandable and predictable.