Pope Francis visits Iraq: Pontiff calls for ‘end to violence and extremism’ on historic visit

Pope Francis made a rousing call for peace on the first day of his historic visit to war-battered Iraq today, pleading with his hosts for an ‘end to acts of violence and extremism, factions and intolerance’.  The 84-year-old, who defied security fears and the pandemic to become the first pontiff to travel to Iraq, urged … Read more

Psychology: Those who are dogmatic and slower to make decisions are more susceptible to extremism

There may be a psychological ‘signature’ for extremism — with those who are more dogmatic and slower at decision making being more susceptible to radicalisation. This is the conclusion of experts from Cambridge, who used a broad range of psychological surveys to identify the mental characteristics common to extremists. These included a poorer working memory, … Read more

Keir Starmer blocks bid to make leading Sikh independence supporter a peer in ‘extremism row’

Keir Starmer blocks bid to make leading Sikh independence supporter a peer in ‘extremism row’ Senior public official Dabinderjit Singh Sidhu is denied peerage by Labour leader Mr Singh is a long-standing campaigner for a sovereign Sikh state in the Punjab On the day of the announcement he was told Sir Keir withdrew his nomination  By … Read more

Ex-Neo Nazi reveals how he was groomed into extremism

A former neo-Nazi has revealed how he was groomed into extremism as a teenager for 20 years until witnessing a black man being threatened in front of his family – and now helps others leave far-right groups.  Nigel Bromage, 54, from Birmingham, quickly rose up the ranks and become a West Midlands organiser for the British … Read more

Fears Italy’s coronavirus crisis could trigger surge in far-right extremism

Italy is staring down the barrel of the worst recession since the Second World War, which could bolster the far-right and damage the country’s love affair with the European Union, analysts say. Much will depend on how Rome handles the easing of the national lockdown, how quickly it manages to get liquidity to suffering businesses, … Read more