Security expert Professor Peter Neumann, from King’s College in London, believes that the threat posed by Islamist extremists is increasing. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post” following the fatal attack on the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Berlin-an incident where one woman was killed and about a dozen people were injured-Neumann stated that while Islamist terrorism has declined since the beginning of the decade, it has never completely disappeared. He noted that the threat has, in fact, risen again, particularly since the Gaza conflict.
According to Neumann, the nature of this threat has also evolved. He explained that whereas ten years ago, terrorist organizations relied on large networks and were often recruited by radical preachers, the internet now plays a far greater role in modern extremism.
Regarding the upcoming September elections in Berlin, Neumann currently does not see any direct link between the terror threat and the political cycle. However, he added that he has no doubt that, as has been the case with almost all similar past attacks, the far-right currently benefits from such incidents.
