As the world grapples with the tragic news of the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo’s office in Paris, the ensuing manhunt, and two deadly police standoffs, we begin the work of understanding how these events came to transpire—from understanding Europe’s immigration problems and historic prejudices, to finding the roots of terrorism.
ON THE GROUND
On the Edge of Something
Caught in Paris during the Charlie Hebdo tragedy, an American searches for free speech in France.
ISLAMOPHOBIA IN EUROPE
Breaking Down the New Xenophobic Movement in Germany
Thousands of Germans are now backing an anti-immigration movement. What was the straw that broke the quintessentially tolerant country’s back?
Europe’s Muslims Get to Be the Continent’s New Jews (archive)
Issues swirling around Europe’s non-assimilation of its Muslim population recall its anti-Semitic past, according to scholar Reza Aslan.
UNDERSTANDING TERRORISM
Al-Qaeda’s Likely Strategy, and Why It May Work
Some say al-Qaeda is trying to stoke Islamophobia in Europe on purpose. It may work—psychological research finds a clear link between terror-related fears and prejudice toward outsiders.
Does a Nation’s Wealth Fuel Terrorism?
Looking back to a 2008 study for some answers in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo tragedy. Which countries are most at risk for terrorist attacks?
THE AFTERMATH
A Case for—and Against—Surveillance
A new French surveillance law might help authorities locate the terrorists behind the Charlie Hebdo attack. But it might also rob innocent civilians of their privacy rights.
The Role of Public Spaces After Tragedy
The urban environment functions as more than just a setting. It also gives meaning to demonstrations, like the ones happening in Paris and around the globe.
