Growth of extremism - A threat we must take seriously

A WEEK ago today one of Europe’s exemplary societies had to contemplate an attack it never imagined likely much less possible. Norway’s reality, carefully built up after the World War II occupation, is one of tolerance, openness and pro-active and meaningful democracy.

It is a dignified, inclusive society and the very worst you could say about it is that it may be just a bit uncomfortable for non-conformists. Nevertheless, the vast majority of Norwegians accept that there is a civic code, a way of life that makes their society so very comfortable with itself. Of course the economic security the country’s great natural resources provides means this solidarity is a little more easily achieved than in less well off countries.

Despite all of this Anders Behring Breivik struck at the heart of Norwegian society when he killed 76 people in what he says was an attack on the changing values he imagines are undermining Norway.