Eye on Extremism: August 5, 2025

CEP Mentions

Filter Nyheter: "A Shadow Militia": Trump is not the great white power leader the Active Club network is waiting for – but perhaps a useful tool

They are wolves in sheep's clothing. They want to appear friendly and uncontroversial. This is according to Alexander Ritzmann , senior advisor at the Counter Extremism Project (CEP) – a US-based, non-profit organization established in 2014 with the goal of combating extremism, radicalization and terrorism on a global level. CEP publishes reports and data on various extremist groups, ideologies, financing networks and propaganda, and advises authorities on how to handle potential threats. Ritzmann has closely examined the Active Club environment for several years, and is convinced that this concept is not about bare-knuckle training and martial arts.

Analysis

Norwich University: The Politics of Denial: Taqiyya, Ketman and Iran’s Israel Policy

Iran’s foreign policy toward Israel combines harsh anti-Zionist rhetoric with strategic ambiguity. While officials like Deputy Foreign Minister Araghchi claim Iran doesn’t seek Israel’s destruction, the regime continues to fund and arm militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. This contradiction reflects the use of Taqiyya and Ketman — strategic deception rooted in Shi’a theology — to mask true intentions. Despite diplomatic reassurances, Iran’s actions reveal an ongoing commitment to challenging Israel’s existence.

United States

Oregon Public Broadcasting: Oregon Jewish Museum vandalized with painted swastikas, suspect at large

The Portland museum’s executive director says this is the first instance of such graffiti it’s experienced, but other locations in the city have been defaced by swastikas in recent years. An unknown person vandalized the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education in Portland last Tuesday, painting several swastikas outside the building.

Ynet: Jewish student assaulted at Florida State University over IDF shirt

A Jewish student at Florida State University was physically and verbally assaulted this week at the campus gym after wearing a shirt with the emblem of the IDF, according to video footage and university officials. A video circulating on social media shows a female student approaching the male student and shouting, “F*** Israel, free Palestine,” before flipping her middle finger, hurling insults and pushing him.

ABC 7: Congressional committee to interview Northwestern president about campus antisemitism allegations

The House Education and Workforce Committee will interview Northwestern University's president regarding allegations of antisemitism on the school's Evanston campus. President Michael Schill's interview will take place behind closed doors on Tuesday.

Times of Israel: Antisemitic hate crimes in New York decrease in recent months — NYPD

Antisemitic hate crimes in New York City have decreased in recent months compared to the same period last year, according to NYPD data released on Monday. The NYPD reported 14 antisemitic crimes in July, compared to 27 during the same month last year.

Billboard: Ye’s Ex-Staffer Wants Him to Pay $100K She Spent Fighting His ‘Absurd’ Motion in Antisemitism Lawsuit

A Jewish publicist suing Ye (formerly Kanye West) for antisemitism is demanding that the rapper repay nearly $100,000 incurred by her legal team in fending off a “frivolous and absurd” motion that argued, unsuccessfully, that artistic freedom allows Ye to call himself a “Nazi” and “Hitler” with no legal recourse.

Jewish News Syndicate: Nonprofit asks House ed panel to protect Jewish grad students from antisemitic union

The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, a nearly 60-year-old nonprofit that aims to “eliminate coercive union power and compulsory unionism abuses,” wrote to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce in late July, asking the panel to protect Jewish graduate students from the independent labor union United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America.

Laconia Daily Sun: Founder of neo-Nazi group spotted among masked protesters in Concord

Around 20 masked counter-protesters brandishing black flags emblazoned with white swastikas gathered Saturday afternoon at the steps of the New Hampshire State House in Concord. Wearing red shirts and black pants, they held a sign that read “Trump loves Epstein,” marched the length of Main Street and engaged in an altercation with a passerby. Videos show that the individuals were members of a neo-Nazi group. They were identifiable by shirts bearing the word Blutstamm — the German translation of “Blood Tribe” — printed on their backs. Christopher Pohlhaus, the group’s founder, a former Marine and tattoo artist, was also seen participating in the demonstration.

KCRG ABC: Man charged with threat of terrorism following incident at central Iowa Walmart

A man is charged with threat of terrorism following an incident at a central Iowa Walmart Monday. At approximately 8:24 p.m., police responded to a Walmart after receiving a report of a potential threat. When police arrived on scene, they found employees evacuating the store. Officers met with Walmart managers and collected evidence, reviewed video, and searched the store.

Canada

Jewish News Syndicate: ‘Child-killing Jew-monsters’: Wave of synagogue attacks intensifies

Authorities in Canada and Australia have opened separate investigations into antisemitic vandalism targeting synagogues. The Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver condemned hateful graffiti discovered at the Victoria Emanu-El synagogue, the oldest continuously operating synagogue in Canada.

Argentina

Times of Israel: Iberia serves Jewish passenger a kosher meal with ‘Free Palestine’ written on it

A Jewish passenger who requested a kosher meal on an Iberia Airlines flight received his food tray with the words “Free Palestine” written on the packaging, Argentina’s DAIA umbrella Jewish organization said Monday. Salvador Auday, who reported the incident to the airplane crew, said that several other unopened meals bore the initials “FP,” written with the same pen, the group said.

Germany

Espionage for China? Trial against ex-employee of AfD politician Krah begins

The trial against a former employee of the Saxon AfD politician Maximilian Krah began today at the Dresden Higher Regional Court. The federal prosecutor's office accuses Jian G. of spying for a Chinese secret service. G. is a German citizen and has been charged with a particularly serious case of secret service agent activity. An alleged accomplice is also on trial today. "From the point of view of the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office, the case exemplifies China's comprehensive interest in spying on the political, economic and military interests of Germany and the European Union," said Stephan Morweiser, Federal Public Prosecutor at the Federal Court of Justice, on the sidelines of the start of the trial. The case is therefore to be regarded as "particularly serious".

Die ZEIT: NSU: Beate Zschäpe takes part in exit program for neo-Nazis

Zschäpe had already tried in the past to be accepted into the drop-out program of the Free State of Saxony. However, she was rejected there. She then tried again to be accepted into a comparable program. Grasel said that she would not disclose the specific program "for reasons of confidentiality". There are several such programs in Germany. In addition to the federal states, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, for example, also runs a project that helps right-wing extremists who are willing to leave the scene to start a new life outside of the neo-Nazi scene.

Nd: Bautzen: How great is the danger from neo-Nazis at the CSD?

Hundreds of neo-Nazis dressed in black, a burning rainbow flag and a canceled after-show party: the right-wing disruptive actions at the Bautzen CSD became a symbol of increasing queer hostility. Right-wing extremist groups realized that a large following could be mobilized through counter-protests at Pride parades, and groups formed and networked. Scientists spoke of a "new generation of neo-Nazis" that feeds on hatred of queer people. On Sunday, August 10, the CSD in Bautzen will take place for the third time. Time for an interim assessment of this year's Pride season: were the right-wing mobilizations able to build on last year's momentum? And what can we expect from the CSD in Bautzen?

Ynet: Vandals deface Holocaust deportation memorial in Berlin

Unknown vandals defaced a Holocaust memorial at Putlitz Bridge in the Moabit neighborhood of Berlin, authorities said Tuesday. Police officers called to the scene discovered white paint and packing tape on the site, which commemorates the deportation of more than 32,000 Jews from Berlin to Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

Poland

Homeland Security Today: McCain Global Leaders Visit Poland for Discussions on Democracy and Combating Extremism

As part of the McCain Institute’s 2024 Europe and Eurasia Changemaker Tour, a group of McCain Global Leaders traveled to Warsaw and Krakow, Poland, to engage with government officials, civil society groups, and policy organizations on issues of democracy, extremism, and regional security.

Russia

RFE/RL: Main Suspects In 2024 Moscow Terrorist Attack Plead Guilty On First Day Of Trial

Four men accused of carrying out last year's terror attack on the Crocus City Hall entertainment center near Moscow pleaded guilty on the first day of their trial on August 4 after questions about their treatment in custody and suspicions that they were recruited by the real perpetrators of the attack -- Islamic State -- to serve as scapegoats. The four suspects, all Tajik nationals, were captured a day after the attack and appeared to have been beaten when they first appeared in court shortly after the attack on March 22, 2024, left more than 140 people dead and more than 550 injured. The Islamic State-Khorasan (ISIS-K), known to recruit mainly among Central Asians, claimed responsibility for the attack. The United States and France said at the time that Islamic State was "solely responsible" for the attack.

OC Media: Three people suspected of terrorism killed by security forces in Kabarda-Balkaria

Russian police have shot dead three people suspected of being members of an undisclosed terrorist organisation in a shootout in the village of Islamey in the Baksan District of Kabarda-Balkaria. The shootout reportedly took place on the morning of 1 August, but was only disclosed by the authorities on Monday.

Sweden

SVT Nyheter: Here the Swede is recruited by the terrorist leader

A Swedish man faces 12 years in prison for allegedly planning a terrorist attack against the Eurovision Song Contest 2020. According to the prosecutor in Luxembourg, he was a member of the now-terrorist neo-Nazi group The Base.

United Kingdom

BBC: Tommy Robinson bailed after arrest in connection with assault

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been released on police bail on Tuesday after his arrest in connection with an assault at St Pancras railway station. British Transport Police did not name Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, but confirmed a 42-year-old man from Bedfordshire was arrested over an assault in London on 28 July.

Afghanistan

Amu: HRW says Taliban deepened repression four years into rule

The Taliban have tightened restrictions on women, journalists and civil society nearly four years after returning to power, worsening Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis and fueling displacement, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday. The rights group said in a statement that the Taliban continue to bar girls from secondary school and university, restrict women’s employment and freedom of movement, and enforce rules on dress and behavior through local committees. Enforcement measures include workplace raids, mobile phone inspections and public checkpoints, HRW said.

Amu: Sources: Taliban arrest six in Faryab on gambling charges

Taliban arrested six men in Faryab province on charges of gambling, local sources said Tuesday. The arrests took place Monday evening in Turkel Baloch village of Shirin Tagab district, the sources told Amu. Taliban also confiscated 134,960 Afghanis (about $1,850) from the men.

Amu: People say Taliban museums of suicide vests, bombs reopen old wounds

Nearly four years into Taliban rule, new museums across the country are stirring anger and grief for displaying suicide vests, barrel bombs and other explosive devices used in decades of war. Survivors say the exhibitions glorify weapons that killed thousands and reopen painful memories for families still mourning loved ones. In Maidan Wardak province, Taliban have opened what they call the “Mujahid Museum.” Officials from the Taliban-run Ministry of Information and Culture say it houses 33 items, including makeshift barrel bombs, suicide vests and even the shoes of attackers.

Afghanistan International: Taliban Foreign Minister’s Pakistan Visit Blocked By US, Sources Say

The United States has blocked a planned visit by Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Pakistan in response to the group's continued denial of holding Afghan-born American citizen Mahmood Habibi, according to a US source speaking to Afghanistan International.

Iran

Afghanistan International: Iran Sought Taliban Help To Track Afghans With UK Ties, Telegraph Reports

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has requested access to a leaked list of Afghan nationals who previously worked with British forces, according to a report by The Telegraph published on Monday. The newspaper reported that Iranian officials are seeking the list to identify individuals suspected of having ties to MI6, the United Kingdom’s foreign intelligence agency.

Israel

Reuters: Israel says it will allow controlled entry of goods into Gaza via merchants

Israel says it will allow gradual and controlled entry of goods to Gaza through local merchants, an Israeli military agency that coordinates aid said on Tuesday, as global monitors say famine is unfolding in the enclave, impacting the hostages Hamas holds. Israel's COGAT said a mechanism has been approved by the cabinet to expand the scope of humanitarian aid, allowing the entry of supplies to Gaza through the private sector.

Times of Israel: Netanyahu said set to order full takeover of Gaza, despite IDF qualms, risk to hostages

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told ministers this week that he will seek cabinet backing for a plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, despite objections from within the Israel Defense Forces. According to reports in Hebrew media, several ministers said Netanyahu used the term “occupation of the Strip” in private conversations describing his vision for the expansion of military operations in Gaza — a notable shift in tone as the government prepares to discuss the future of the Gaza campaign.

Times of Israel: Sa’ar calls for world’s attention on hostages ahead of UN Security Council session

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Monday urged the world to bring attention to the hostages held in Gaza before heading to a United Nations Security Council session on the issue, saying, “It must be front and center on the world stage.” Israel called the UN session after Hamas and its ally Palestinian Islamic Jihad published videos last week showing hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David appearing weak and emaciated, causing deep shock and distress in Israel.

Times of Israel: Netanyahu’s son calls Qatari leader ‘modern-day Hitler’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son Yair on Monday branded Qatari Emir Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani and his mother Moza bint Nasser “the modern-day Hitler and Goebbels,” claiming that Doha is “the main force behind the unprecedented wave of antisemitism around the world, not seen since the 1930s and 1940s.” “Every Jew around the world is in grave danger because of the decades-long vilification of Jews and the Jewish state by Qatar, fueled by the billions of dollars they pour into it,” the younger Netanyahu tweeted.

Syria

Jerusalem Post: Can federalism save Syria from collapse?

The Syrian state, nominally reconstituted after years of war, is not only ineffective but dangerous. Rebuilt around undisciplined militias, many of which are motivated by sectarian vengeance rather than national reconciliation, the new military apparatus represents a clear threat to Syria’s ethnic and religious landscape. What’s emerging from this chaos is not a functioning central government but a patchwork of militarized zones, each loyal to a different faction, commander or foreign patron. In this context, federalism no longer appears to be a theoretical model. It has become a necessary remedy to prevent Syria’s descent into another generation of bloodshed.

Lebanon

Reuters: Lebanon's cabinet meets to discuss Hezbollah's arms after US pressure

Lebanon's cabinet will meet on Tuesday to discuss Hezbollah's arsenal, after Washington ramped up pressure on ministers to publicly commit to disarming the Iran-backed group and amid fears Israel could intensify strikes if they fail to do so. The session scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (1200 GMT) at Lebanon's presidential palace is the first time that cabinet will discuss the fate of Hezbollah's weapons - unimaginable when the group was at the zenith of its power just two years ago. In June, U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack proposed a roadmap to Lebanese officials to fully disarm Hezbollah, in exchange for Israel halting its strikes on Lebanon and withdrawing its troops from five points they still occupy in southern Lebanon.

Turkey

Reuters: Turkey sets up parliamentary commission to oversee PKK disarmament

All but one parliamentary party are represented in the commission, marking the first time multiple parties have formally gathered in parliament to address the peace process. The main opposition CHP joined the commission on condition that it address democratisation steps, while the nationalist opposition IYI Party refused to take part, saying it will legitimise PKK demands. The PKK's decision to disband came after a public call from its long-imprisoned leader Ocalan, prompted by a surprise proposal in October from Erdogan's ultra-nationalist ally Devlet Bahceli.

Yemen

The National Interest: The Houthis Are Breaking into the Drug Trade

The ouster of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria left a void in the regional narcotics trade. But the exile of the king of captagon has not led to the end of the drug itself, nor its manufacture, or supply. And certainly not the demand. It is an opportunity that Yemen’s Houthis—never ones to pass on a profitable scheme—are eager to exploit. The group has a long history of growing and selling khat, a stimulant popular in Yemen. Now, the Iran-backed terrorists are moving into the illicit captagon business, which long helped prop up Syria’s former dictator.

Azerbaijan

Times of Israel: Suspect tried for attempted attack on Baku synagogue

A youth in Azerbaijan is being tried for planning to attack a synagogue in the capital city of Baku, Ynet reports. According to the indictment, the 18-year-old was inspired by the Islamic State terror organization and had planned to carry out further attacks, Ynet says.

Mali

Pass Blue: US May Offer Mali Counterterrorism Help in Exchange for Minerals

Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop hosted meetings with both US envoys. “We discussed the fight against armed terrorist groups supported by foreign state sponsors,” he said on X after his talks with Stevens on July 21. Also on the agenda, he said, were “prospects for economic cooperation, including through private American investment in Mali, thanks to the improvement of our country’s business climate.” Ulf Laessing, head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s Sahel program and based in Bamako, told PassBlue: “The US seems to be offering Mali increased counterterrorism assistance in exchange for access to resources such as gold or lithium. I think this transactional approach might help to counter Russian influence in the Sahel.”

Reuters: Islamist militants free Moroccan truck drivers held since January, Mali says

Islamic State-affiliated militants have released four Moroccan truck drivers kidnapped in January, Mali said late on Monday, according to state media, highlighting growing intelligence cooperation between the two countries. The men and their three trucks disappeared in January while crossing without an escort from Dori in Burkina Faso to Tera in Niger, an area known for jihadist threats, a diplomatic source said at the time.

Technology

Jerusalem Post: 'Entire attack livestreamed on Facebook': Oct 7. victim relatives file lawsuit against Meta

A motion for certification for a class action lawsuit for over four billion shekels was filed on Monday by October 7 victims, their families, and users on Facebook and Instagram against corporate parent giant Meta. The motion charged that the mammoth social media companies had played a part in the atrocities that took place on that Saturday, and effectively violated the privacy rights of users by bombarding them with sensitive content. This, the motion argues, is inseparable from the broader attack.

Jerusalem Post: ‘MechaHitler’ and the New Age of Digital Antisemitism

While the spotlight was rightly cast on Grok’s ideological collapse, less attention has been paid to an even more disturbing development: the creation of AI chatbots deliberately designed to promote bigotry, denigrate Jews, and sow discord online. This threat is no longer theoretical — far-right antisemites have already built AI tools designed to normalize and amplify their hateful propaganda. The most prominent example is Gab AI, a chatbot created explicitly to legitimize and propagate dangerous antisemitic conspiracy theories.

The National: Anti-tech extremism: How AI could become target of political violence

Major investment in artificial intelligence in countries around the world, along with the societal changes it causes, could lead to a surge in anti-technology extremism, an expert has warned. Author and technology researcher Mauro Lubrano said that various issues brought about by AI development, such as job losses, might prompt anarchists and eco-terrorists to increase their attempts to make their message more public.