Terror attack today in Munich

I don't feel that there is specifically bad blood due to the wars. It is more like how I see the relationship between Australia and New Zealand, and maybe the US and Canada - one large, relatively powerful nation with a smaller country close by that speaks the same language (but differently) and also does things a bit differently. So there is some condescension on the part of the larger nation, and tolerance of 'big brother' by the smaller one.

Austria definitely does have an issue with youth being radicalized, and I'm not sure why exactly. They have moved much further to the right politically than Germany - recent election results in the East of Germany notwithstanding - which may be part of it. I don't think I ever saw the names of the accused in the Taylor Swift threats, but they have released the first name and initial of yesterday's perpetrator - it is German law to only release this much, not the full first and last names - and (to me) the first name sounded like it was of Turkish origin, though the police said he was born in Austria.
ETA: Latest information is that the attacker had Bosnian roots.



This is the really sad part for me. In the 15 years we've lived here, I have always felt the Munich was safe, for such a large city (pop 1.5 Mill) I take public transport home at night, even from Oktoberfest, and have never felt afraid walking around the city.


I hope your travels are uneventful. Munich and Berlin are both incredible cities and mostly safe. I am a little anxious about the upcoming anniversary of the start of the Gaza conflict, even though I won't be in Germany that week.