The Norwegian response

Norway prides itself on being peace-loving, free and open. It maintained its neutrality during both world wars (although many Norwegians resisted when the Nazis occupied their country). Though it belongs to NATO, it refused to host nuclear weapons during the cold war. Known for awarding the annual Nobel Peace Prize, Norway brokered the Oslo Accords in 1993 between Israel and the Palestinians and has worked to mediate other conflicts around the world.

So it was a huge shock to normally tranquil Norway when anti-Muslim, anti-Marxist extremist Anders Breivik, claiming that he was acting to ward off "Muslim domination," set off explosives in downtown Oslo and went on a shooting rampage at a political camp for youth, killing 77 in all. This was the Norwegians' 9/11 moment, said some, and the country would never be the same again.

Yet Norway's leaders have urged caution in responding to the massacre, and its people have shown calm and solidarity in their expressions of grief. At a memorial service for the victims, Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said, "My greatest thanks goes to the Norwegian people, who appeared responsible when needed, who kept their dignity, who chose democracy." He reaffirmed the need for "dialogue and tolerance" in the land, and he expressed the hope that when political work resumed, leaders would "behave with the same wisdom and respect as the Norwegian people" had shown.