When Anis Amri drove a hijacked lorry into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring dozens more, emotions ran high. It was the week before the festivities, in the heart of Berlin, and the Christmas markets occupy a particular place in German hearts. The sense of violation and the outraged sympathy for the victims were both profound.

But what of the political fallout? With a general election next autumn, Angela Merkel committed to seeking a fourth term and her time as Chancellor so closely identified with Germany’s asylum policy, surely anything that so much as hints at a connection between the country’s generosity to new arrivals and an increased threat to its citizens is bound to spell electoral danger. At least, this was the immediate gut reaction – and mine, too. But it was quickly tempered.

more:   http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/angela-merkel-berlin-christmas-markets-attack-refugee-policy-german-elections-fourth-term-dont-be-a7501161.html