I was shocked when I read the news, Norway! We don't think of it as a center of political unrest and political violence.
Appears that no matter where, the layer of civilization is very thin, isn't it?

Yes, I saw this on the news today and thought, what in the world?

Norway, of all places???

My best to you, Westgardener, and to all affected by these terrible attacks.

Thank you for your concern about my birth country. I appreciate it. It was somewhat of a shock to read the news.
Thank goodness I have not had any phone calls/emails from family being touched by this madness.
I said I was somewhat in shock about the news. But I'm not surprised at all.
Norway has been part of the so called "coalition" in both Afganistan and Iraq from the start, someone from Norway wrote some comic strips about Islam, and Holy Hell broke loose.
Re the children being killed on the island. I know that island, I spent many a summers there, I learned to swim there.
The only way to get there is by boat, ferry or private boat.
It took a lot of planning to get there and klll the children.
Cowards all.

Here is a link that might be useful: Why?

Sorry that the insanity of the rest of the world has found it's way to your home country. I always pictured it as a serene beautiful place.