Can we still go to the Christmas market without fear?
1) Why is the IS perpetrating attacks in Europe?
The IS is increasingly under military pressure, including Russia and France. At the same time, Turkey has ceased its former support. The organization therefore seems to have changed its tactics. She tries to take the fight to other countries. It is also an element of tactics to provoke European governments to harass Muslims, hoping to radicalize them and thus gain new recruits for their struggle.
2) Where do the assassins come from - in previous attacks and now in Paris?
Usually from the affected countries themselves. Often these are people who feel discriminated against in their home countries as new or first-generation migrants or are particularly interested in the conflict in the Middle East.
3) Is it true that terrorists have mixed among the refugees?
So far no such case has become known in Germany. Whether the first evidence that this was true for an assassin in Paris, confirm, you have to wait.
4) Do refugees pose a threat to our security, as some claim?
There are no clues so far.
5) European Parliament President Martin Schulz has said that terror is one of the life risks of the 21st century. Can I still safely go to the Christmas market?
Nobody can rule out a terrorist attack. However, even in years with particularly bloody attacks - such as in 2001 and 2005 - the probability of becoming victims of a terrorist attack has been very low.
6) Everyone is suddenly talking about war - are we really at war?
Prof. Dr. Michael Brzoska is Scientific Director of the "Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy" (IFSH) in Hamburg
No. France has been the victim of a particularly infamous terrorist attack, not a military attack. The latter would be allowed in a war - an act of terrorism is an unjustifiable crime. That should be distinguished.
