We are caught in a spiral of fear, leading to more violence and not leaving enough room for love. So a big real part of the 'war on terror' is one which takes place within us. It is one where we let our fears lead us to hate. 'Fighting' our own fears then becomes the war worth fighting and the way we can stop this cycle of violence. And we need to start uplifting others along with us.
Economies are in free-fall, unemployment is high, and extremist parties are gaining support by using viscous anti-immigrant rhetoric. The similarities are obvious. But forDr Matthew Goodwin, Britain's leading expert on the far-right comparing the Europe of the early 1930s with the Europe of today is simplistic.
Had the anti-fascists spent a minute looking at the BNP protest they would have seen 50 tired, haggard middle-aged men barely worthy of a passing car horn let alone a huge counter demonstration. Some of them could barely string a sentence together. I asked one man waving a flag why he was there. "They're killing our soldiers, aren't they..." He could offer no more by way of reasoning.
Forty years ago, as a young journalist, I learned that 'there are no indiscreet questions, only indiscreet answers'. In general, the same applies to polling. We do not create public opinion; we measure it. That opinion may give us pleasure or pain; it might reassure us or frighten us. The issue is whether it is better to know how people feel or to remain in ignorance.
The EDL claim that they are "defending" the English. But what does being English, or being British, mean? If you ask me, it is about more than just nationality, it is a state of mind, a state of being. If you believe that you are English, if you think of yourself as British, then as far as I'm concerned that's all you need.
I am a British Muslim and Imam based in London. I feel personally attacked by the brutal killing of this innocent person. My heart goes out to the family who has lost a loved one in such a tragic way. I extend to them my condolences and prayers. I am deeply sorry that Muslims have subjected you to this cruelty and pain. They have tarnished the entire faith and its followers.