The current global climate, marked by intolerant political rhetoric, is conducive to politically motivated and/or terrorist incidents — a lone wolf with a blurred world vision is often moved to action in such a climate. The scenes at the British parliament this week were disconcerting, regardless of the origin and motivation and whether an act of terrorism or not. I have been concerned about possible politically motivated incidents and/or acts of terrorism in this climate. Intolerance increased after statements by politicians and opposition parties riding the wave of populism (driven partially by legitimate concerns, but also ideology), instilling widespread fear, uncertainty and narrow nationalism. This plays into the hands of radicals and causes a hardening of attitudes on all sides. Recruitment by radicals also becomes easier in this climate. Politically the world finds itself in a pressure cooker. Leaders need to find ways to let off the steam that is building up, instead of fur...
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