Latest news with #neoNazism
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
This is how Leftist Israelophobia morphs into unabashed anti-Semitism
When Horst Mahler, lawyer, terrorist and anti-Semite, died last month at the age of 89, that nemesis of Germany had become little more than a deranged demagogue who had lost a leg to diabetes and was fatigued by years in prison. Such is the derangement of the times, however, that Mahler – a member of the notorious hard-Left Baader-Meinhof gang who later converted to neo-Nazism – is more relevant in death than he ever was in life. With sensible politics around the world challenged by anti-Western fervour, this is increasingly Mahler's moment. Across the political extremes, his hallmarks are familiar today: conspiratorial thinking; a pathological hatred for the United States, the West and all our old certainties; a cleaving to utopian radicalism; and a loathing for both Israel and the Jews. Since October 7, this omnidogma has accelerated its advance, reaching for influence in our schools, universities, throughout the arts and media, in our formerly great northern towns and cities, on the streets, in the digital universe and through the benighted corridors of Lanyardistan. It reached a bloody nadir in Washington DC last May, when two young Israeli diplomats were gunned down in the name of 'Palestine', and in the firebombing of elderly Jews in Colorado by an Egyptian national a few weeks later. In Britain, it has prompted death chants at Glastonbury and the sabotage of RAF aircraft by the bourgeois radicals of Palestine Action, not to mention relentless street unrest. But its spirit has also inspired the far-Right, with figures like the American firebrand Tucker Carlson and European insurgent parties Alternative für Deutschland and Rassemblement National indulging an animosity towards Israel, fondness for the erstwhile Assad regime and adoration for Vladimir Putin. Anything, in other words, that hurts us. Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump's director of national intelligence, is a prominent denizen of this swamp. She clashed with the president over the American attack on Iran. Closer to home, former BNP leader Nick Griffin has appeared on a podcast produced by 5Pillars, the Islamist website. This convergence of radicalisms, which takes hatred of the Jews and packs it with contempt for liberal Western values, could now perhaps best be described as the 'Horst Mahler complex'. More than anybody else, Mahler's life story demonstrated that the gap between far-Left and far-Right is bridged not by shuffling round the horseshoe but by a simple sidestep. Mahler was born in 1936 to a Nazi dentist – why were so many Nazis dentists? – in Haynau in Lower Silesia, a town now called Chojnow in southwestern Poland. Devastated by the fall of the Third Reich, in 1949 his father took his own life and probably attempted to poison his three sons (Mahler's older brother, Klaus, prevented them from taking the suspicious tablets). As an adult, Mahler became a lawyer and a leading exponent of the trend to cast Western capitalism as the continuation of Nazism. For him, bloodshed was a means of purging the crimes of the older generation in the fires of revolutionary fervour. He became a key figure in the Baader-Meinhof gang, which was responsible for 34 murders and some of the most spectacular terrorist atrocities in post-war history. Inevitably, theirs was a virulent Israelophobia. Mahler underwent terrorist training in Jordan with the Palestinian faction Fatah, which now rules in Ramallah. He also represented an activist shot by German police while protesting a visit from Iran's Shah in 1967. Progressives sided with the exiled Ayatollah. In 1970, Mahler was arrested carrying a loaded pistol while wearing a wig and false beard. In prison, he renounced violence, but in the coming years embraced neo-Nazism, envisioning fascism as a means to fulfil the aims of the hard Left: the defeat of American Jewish capitalism. The Holocaust, he now said, was 'the actions of God, not those of humans'. He performed a Sieg Heil in front of a Jewish journalist and claimed that Hitler was 'the saviour of the German people'. Mahler also praised the 9/11 attacks. In 2005, he accepted an invitation by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to an international conference promoting Holocaust denial. Mahler's pathetic demise may have gone largely unmourned, but it did not represent the death of his spirit. In this age of radicalism, the Horst Mahler complex is more of a threat to the West than ever before.
SBS Australia
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
Agnes O'Casey on risking it all in '60s drama 'Ridley Road'
When Vivien Epstein (Agnes O'Casey, impressive in her first TV role) runs away from her comfortable middle class life as a hairdresser in Manchester and heads to London, she lands in a hotbed of political tension, caught up in a surge of neo-Nazism, and a resistance movement called the 62 Group. Soon, she'll find herself risking everything: to do what's right, and for the man she loves. And while the events that unfold in four-part series Ridley Road are set in the 1960s, there's a lot going on here that's incredibly relevant today. "It's so relevant for now, and it's so much more than a 'topical' show – it's so full of heart and humanity, what Sarah's done is beautiful," O'Casey says. She's referring to writer and executive producer Sarah Somelani (familiar to many for her acting role as Miranda in the Bridget Jones movies), who adapted the story from the book of the same name by Jo Bloom. "I think this story is an important one to tell because the dilemma of 1962 is still one that we're grappling with now. Which is, why people are drawn to the far right?," Somelani says. "...One of my guiding principles with the show was how to tell a story about how good people are convinced of bad ideas." The series has a strong cast portraying those on both sides of the political and social divide, including Rory Kinnear as real-life figure Colin Jordan, the leader of the National Socialist Movement; Tracey-Ann Oberman and Eddie Marsan as Vivien Epstein's aunt and uncle; Tom Varey as her ex-boyfriend Jack; Gabriel Akuwudike as a potential friend and ally in London; and Tamzin Outhwaite as a hairdressing salon owner. Tamzin Outhwaite as hairdresser Barbara Watson. Credit: Ben Blackall Just as her character steps into the unknown in her decision to go to London, Ridley Road was a new experience for O'Casey, her first television role (though as The Guardian notes , you'd never guess it). Here she talks about why she felt this was an important story to tell, her nerves and joy at working with people she'd admired for years, and what she kept from Vivien's wardrobe! Vivien is 23 and living in Manchester, in a loving but overbearing household. She is still unmarried and feels this mounting pressure of her parents' wishes. With an arranged marriage looming, she is aware there is a role she must fill that she knows isn't right for her. She's a hairdresser, which is her pride and passion, but she is not being pushed – she feels like she's stagnating. She sees the life that is laid out in front of her and she veers off that path and into the unknown. She takes a leap of faith and runs away to London. Initially she goes to follow Jack, the boy she loves, but she ends up discovering so much more about her own beliefs, her own determination and her own capability. Viven (Agnes O'Casey) starts her new life. Credit: Ben Blackall Did you do any research into Ridley Road? I had no idea about this period in history – I knew about Oswald Mosley [a British politician who led two fascist groups for many decades, beginning in the 1930s] to a lesser extent. This whole period totally blanked me, so it was a huge shock to see the archive footage of swastikas and people 'heil'-ing in such recent history. It's embarrassing to say but when I first read the script, I thought it was fictional. That's one of the many reasons why it is so brilliant Sarah is writing about this now, this period of our history has been forgotten about. There's a really great book called We Fight Fascists by Daniel Sonabend about the 43 Group, who preceded the 62 Group, and it takes you through the war, leading up to the group's formation, who the men were and how it happened. These men fought in the war for Britain and came back to realise that people in their own communities were anti-Semitic. They were normal men and women who took a stand and there is so much to be learnt from them. I think the biggest shock for me was realising how smart and calculated people like Oswald Mosely and Colin Jordan were. Oswald Mosely is on record – he knew that there was going to be an economic depression after the war, so he waited until that happened before he started spreading his anti-Semitic and racist rhetoric because he knew that if people were desperate, they would be more likely to cling onto what he was saying. We see this time and time again. This is my first job and the idea that my first job would be so perfectly in line with everything I believe in is a dream come true. What drew you to Ridley Road? When it first came up, I thought it was perfect. It's so relevant for now, and it's so much more than a 'topical' show – it's so full of heart and humanity, what Sarah's done is beautiful. This is my first job and the idea that my first job would be so perfectly in line with everything I believe in is a dream come true. I was so drawn to Vivien as a character for so many reasons. She's clever without realising she's clever. She's not particularly eloquent but she is truthful and principled, and you watch her on this journey as she discovers her own ability. She is so brave which is something I can't say for myself – she makes split-second decisions and she's always on the front foot, whereas I would probably mull over things for months! Why is this an important story to tell? I think it's an important story to tell because we have seen so much polarisation among our communities, the echo chambers we inhabit mean people are becoming more and more radically right and drastically less empathetic. It's far too easy to go down rabbit holes of misinformation. There are brilliant storylines that explore this in Ridley Road , especially Rita Tushingham's storyline, which I love. She plays a character called Nettie who Vivien takes a room with. Nettie has lost both of her sons in the war and has found solace in the wrong places. We see her go on a journey of discovery and it's played so beautifully by Rita. It's also an important story to tell because anti-Semitism is still very much in operation and it is insidious and overlooked. Rita Tushingham as Nettie. Credit: Ben Blackall What has been your highlight of the production? There's been so many great days – there was a really good day when Tom and I were filming on a train. It was one of those scenes where we didn't know where the camera was going to go, it was very dynamic and very exciting. My first day working with Rory was pretty spectacular. The sets are just brilliant, and Ben the designer is amazing – you walk on set and everything is just so lived in. Actually, my first week we were filming in a studio where all these rooms had been built, and that was my first time on a film set, and I was walking around like "God, this is fantastic!" There's been a lot of pinch me moments on this - obviously working with Rory [Kinnear], Tracy Ann [Oberman], Eddie [Marsan] and Sam [Spiro] has been spectacular. I was so nervous – I couldn't believe that for my first job I would be working with people I've looked up to my whole life. I really idolised Sam throughout drama school – I'd just graduated there, and I always talk about Sam and I'd watch her on livestreams and things, and when I heard she was going to play my mum in this I just couldn't believe it! Tracy also really took me under her wing. This project is so close to both our hearts, and she really looked out for me – she went the extra mile to FaceTime me after filming when there was something in an upcoming scene I needed to talk through with her, and just generally building me up. It felt like a lot of pressure at first and I couldn't have done it without her. All of the actors I worked with were so generous, it felt like such an undertaking to step headfirst into a lead straight out of training but as soon as we did the read through, I knew I was part of a brilliant ensemble and wouldn't be doing it alone. How has it been working with such an incredible cast? Obviously, I was so nervous – I couldn't believe that for my first job I would be working with people I've looked up to my whole life. When I was waiting for the job to start, I kept thinking "I can't believe I'm going to actually meet these people!" The read through was maybe the best day of my life. They are so kind, and they work in such an incredible way. It's the perfect first job to watch pros do what they're doing. London life sees Vivien undergo a transformation. Credit: Ben Blackall In regards to Vivien's look: Did you have any say in the costume and make-up? Yes, I did! [Costume designer] Claire Anderson and Sam Marshall [Hair and make-up designer] are brilliant. We actually started speaking quite early on, as soon as I got the part and I really deferred to them, because they know so much more about this period... Vivien gets a makeover pretty early on... When she goes to London, she looks around, and then starts getting braver and braver with her choices. Sam has mapped out the makeup that Vivien starts making baby steps into the woman she wants to be. First winged eyeliner – then bolder lipstick – then a beehive. I loved discovering that journey because it's so realistic. I think we've all gone through that at some point or another. She takes up her clothes… she really comes into herself in London. I've got this little suede coat that's freezing to wear, but it looks great! This is an edited version of material supplied by Red Production Company. Ridley Road is streaming at SBS On Demand.
Russia Today
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Nazi symbols prevalent in Ukrainian military
Ukrainian soldiers continue to publicly display neo-Nazi symbols – including swastikas, SS tattoos, and Nazi salutes – according to an investigation by French outlet Le Monde. In its report, published on Wednesday, Le Monde identified nearly 350 Ukrainian troops posting neo-Nazi imagery online, including Nazi salutes, swastika tattoos, Black Sun emblems, and Totenkopf insignias. According to the research, at least 200 of those identified serve in Kiev's 3rd Assault Brigade. Russia has repeatedly accused Kiev of fostering neo-Nazi ideology and glorifying WW2-era Hitler collaborators and has demanded the 'denazification' of Ukraine as part of a negotiated peace agreement. Formed in 2023, the 3rd Assault Brigade is a direct successor of the Azov Regiment – originally created in 2014 by far-right figure, Andrei Biletsky. Azov has been accused by multiple human rights groups, as well as the UN, of war crimes and torture and has been widely criticized for its use of symbols tied to the Waffen-SS. According to Le Monde, the 3rd Assault Brigade has received military training from several NATO countries, including France, Spain, Germany, the UK and Canada, who have also poured in billions in military support to Ukraine. The paper noted that some soldiers sent to France in 2023 bore visible SS tattoos. When questioned, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces stated that it was the responsibility of Ukraine to vet the personnel. The report also stated that a number of foreign volunteers who have joined Ukraine's forces, including French nationals, have affiliations with far-right groups. Some were shown posting Nazi tributes and displaying related tattoos online. Le Monde further stated that the 3rd Assault Brigade, now expanded into a full corps under Biletsky's command, has been playing an increasingly central role in Ukraine's military. The outlet reported that its units continue to use Nazi-associated emblems and feature commanders with visible far-right markings. Moscow has long condemned Kiev's elevation of Nazi collaborators to national hero status and has accused Western governments of deliberately ignoring continued neo-Nazi activity in Ukrainian ranks. In April, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev stressed that the rebirth of Nazism cannot be allowed and outlined the destruction of the 'Kiev neo-Nazi regime' as a necessary outcome of the Ukraine conflict. He insisted that 'a real de-Nazification is required' and that the ideology 'needs to be rooted out not only in Ukraine, but in all of Europe.'
Arab News
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Review: Aria Aber's debut novel ‘Good Girl' marks her as a writer to watch
JEDDAH: In her debut novel 'Good Girl,' German-born poet Aria Aber writes a raw tableau of contemporary German society, plunging readers into post-9/11 psyche through the eyes of Nila, a 19-year-old Afghan German girl. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ As Nila stumbles through Berlin's underground techno scene, the city emerges as a character that, like her, is fractured and being forged anew. Berlin seems to be in the throes of struggling to reinvent itself amidst rising Islamophobia and neo-Nazi violence, while Nila's quest for selfhood emerges in her rebellion against the suffocating expectations imposed on Afghan girls and the identity crisis born out of living in a society that seems suspicious of her presence. It's a tale as old as the human desire for movement and refuge: Nila is too Afghan for German society, and too German for the Afghan community, with both watching her every move. Aber's raw and fragmented narrative style mirrors her character's splintered identity while capturing her 'violent desire' to live and her aching need to belong and to be accepted as she is. Though the novel occasionally stumbles with uneven pacing and moments that may seem repetitive or overwritten, what sets it apart is the author's refusal to sanitize or sermonize. Nila's messy, unconventional path to self-discovery remains unapologetically hers. The emotional core of the novel lies in the tension between expectations placed on girls and the honor-based abuse that simmers beneath. Nila's parents, progressive by diaspora standards, permit her artistic pursuits and eschew strict traditions. Yet their insistence on a 'good girl' image still carries an undercurrent of control that constrains her freedom. Ultimately, 'Good Girl' is a young woman's howl against a world that demands she shrink, marking Aber as a writer to watch.
LBCI
08-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Putin says Russia, China defend 'truth' about WWII
President Vladimir Putin told his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Thursday that their nations intend to defend the "historical truth" about World War II, which the Russian leader accuses the West of wanting to distort. "Together with our Chinese friends we firmly stand on guard of historical truth, protect the memory of events of the war years and counter modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism," Putin said, as Russian society has seen unprecedented militarization during three years of conflict with Ukraine. AFP
